10 Baby Names That Mean ‘Gift of Shiva’

Names that literally or poetically mean “gift of Shiva”

Choosing a name that points to Shiva — one of the principal Hindu deities — often uses two kinds of building blocks: a name or epithet of Shiva (for example Shiva, Rudra, Hara, Mahesh, Natesh, Bhava) and a word that means “given,” “grace,” or “blessing” (for example datta — given; prasad — gift/blessing; anugraha — favour/grace). Below are ten names used in various Indian languages and regions that either literally mean “gift of Shiva” or are close in sense — with short notes on etymology, usage, and variations. Where traditions differ, that is noted briefly.

1. Shivadatta (Shivadatta)

Meaning: Shiva + datta — “given by Shiva” or “gift of Shiva.”

• Usage: Traditionally masculine; found in Sanskrit and many modern Indian languages.
• Variants: Shivadatta, Shivdatta, Śivadatta (diacritic form).
• Notes: The suffix datta is classical and appears in names like Dattatreya.

2. Shivaprasad

Meaning: Shiva + prasada — “blessing/gift of Shiva.”

• Usage: Common across India in masculine form; also used as a family name in some regions.
• Pronunciation: Emphasise the second syllable: Shi-va-pra-sad.
• Context: Prasad carries the devotional sense of a received blessing rather than a mere present.

3. Rudradatta

Meaning: Rudra + datta — “gift of Rudra.”

• Usage: Masculine; links to the Vedic epithet Rudra, an early form of Shiva celebrated in the Ṛgveda.
• Interpretive note: In Shaiva traditions Rudra and Shiva are equated; some scholars emphasise different theological strands across time.

4. Rudraprasad

Meaning: “Blessing of Rudra/Shiva.”

• Usage: Masculine; often used by families who prefer a Vedic-flavoured form of the name.
• Variants: Rudra Prasad (two-word form), Rudraprasada (Sanskrit form).

5. Haraprasad

Meaning: Hara (another name of Shiva) + prasad — “gift/blessing of Hara (Shiva).”

• Usage: Widely used in East and North India (for example Odisha, Bengal).
• Social note: Haraprasad is a well-established, socially neutral name across communities.

6. Maheshdatta

Meaning: Mahesh (great lord, a common name for Shiva) + datta — “given by Mahesh.”

• Usage: Masculine and classical in register.
• Variants: Maheshdatta, Maheshdat.

7. Maheshprasad

Meaning: “Blessing of Mahesh (Shiva).”

• Usage: Masculine; the prasad element signals devotion and received grace rather than a secular gift.

8. Shivaanugraha (Shiva-anugraha)

Meaning: Shiva + anugraha — “grace or favour of Shiva.”

• Usage: Rare as a personal name but clear in meaning; can be masculine or used gender-neutrally depending on family preference.
• Connotation: Anugraha emphasises divine favour and protection; often used in devotional contexts.

9. Nateshprasad

Meaning: Natesh (lord of dance, i.e. Nataraja, an aspect of Shiva) + prasad — “blessing of the dancing Lord.”

• Usage: More poetic and specific to the Nataraja aspect; may appeal to families with a strong connection to classical dance, temple traditions, or Shaiva iconography.
• Pronunciation tip: Na-tesh-pra-sad; stress the middle syllable.

10. Bhavdatta

Meaning: Bhava (a name/epithet associated with Shiva) + datta — “given by Bhava.”

• Usage: Classical Sanskrit flavour; masculine in traditional usage but adaptable.
• Literary note: Compounds with Bhava appear in poetry and classical works where Shiva is called Bhava or Bhaava.

Naming considerations and cultural notes

These names vary in popularity by region, language and family tradition. In some communities a family priest or elder advises the choice; in others parents select names for sound or modern convenience. If you want a name that is explicitly devotional, prasad and anugraha emphasise received blessing; datta is a classical “given” suffix.

Timing: Some families perform the naming (naamkaran) on a particular tithi (for example the 11th day, ekadashi, is common in some traditions) or at an auspicious muhurta chosen with astrological advice. Practices vary widely across communities; consult your family tradition or priest if a ritual timing matters to you.

Pronunciation and spelling: Compound Sanskrit names can be transliterated in many ways (Shivadatta vs Shivadatta). Decide whether you prefer a phonetic spelling for everyday use and a Sanskrit form for ritual contexts.

Respectful caution: Names that invoke a deity should be chosen with awareness of family sentiment and community norms. If a naming involves religious observances such as fasts (vrata) or prolonged rituals, follow guidance from a qualified elder or priest and respect health needs.

Finally, different theological traditions read Shiva’s names and attributes in distinct ways. For example, Shaiva texts may highlight the personal presence of Shiva, while other schools may interpret the same epithets symbolically. The names above are offered as linguistic and cultural possibilities; families often adapt meaning, pronunciation and ritual to their lived traditions.