10 Baby Names That Mean ‘Servant of God’

Introduction

Names that mean “servant of God” are common across Hindu communities because they express humility and devotion. In Sanskrit, dāsa — “servant” or “devotee” — is often attached to a divine name (for example, Rama + dāsa → Ramadas). Different regions and traditions use variants and feminine forms; in Vaiṣṇava, Śaiva and Smārta lineages the same formula appears with their preferred deity-name. Below are ten names (male, female or unisex) that carry the meaning “servant of God,” with pronunciation notes, variants and brief cultural context.

How these names are formed

• dāsa — Sanskrit for “servant” or “devotee.” Masculine forms typically end in -dasa or -das.
• Feminine equivalents include dāsī (often anglicised as “dasi”) or adapted suffixes like -dāsi or -dāsa depending on regional usage.
• Names usually combine a deity or divine attribute (Rama, Hari, Krishna, Shiva, etc.) with dāsa to indicate devoted service: e.g., Haridasa = “servant of Hari.”
• Regional pronunciation and spelling vary (Haridas / Haridasa / Haridoss), and some names have strong historical associations (poet-saints, temple roles).

Ten names that mean “Servant of God”

1. Haridasa / Haridas

Meaning: “Servant of Hari” (a name of Viṣṇu). Pronunciation: HA-ree-da-sa or HA-rid-as.

• Usage: Widely used among Vaiṣṇava communities. The Haridasa movement (Karnataka) produced poets like Purandara Dasa and Kanaka Dasa; the name carries devotional, musical and literary associations.
• Variants: Hari­dās, Haridasa, Haridasu (South India).

2. Ramadas / Ramadasa

Meaning: “Servant of Rama.” Pronunciation: RA-ma-daas / ra-ma-da-sa.

• Usage: Common across North and West India. Famous bearer: the Marathi saint Samarth Ramdas (17th century). In some regions the form is Ramdas.

3. Krishnadas / Krishnadasa

Meaning: “Servant of Krishna.” Pronunciation: krish-na-daas.

• Usage: Popular among devotees of Krishna (Gaudiya, Vaishnava schools). Also used in Bengal, Odisha and South India.
• Variants: Krishna­das, Krishnadasu.

4. Narayanadas / Narayandas

Meaning: “Servant of Narayana” (a form of Viṣṇu). Pronunciation: na-ra-ya-na-daas.

• Usage: Often chosen in households with Vaishnava identity; Narayanadas is a respectful, traditional form.

5. Vishnudas / Vishnudasa

Meaning: “Servant of Viṣṇu.” Pronunciation: vish-nu-daas.

• Usage: A clear Vaishnava identity marker. Variants reflect regional phonetics (Vishnudas, Vishnudasu).

6. Shivadas / Shivadasa

Meaning: “Servant of Śiva.” Pronunciation: shi-va-daas.

• Usage: Found among Śaiva families and in regions where Shaiva devotion is strong. In Tamil Nadu and Kerala similar formations appear in devotional literature.

7. Devadas / Devadasa

Meaning: “Servant of the deity/God” (general rather than deity-specific). Pronunciation: de-va-daas.

• Usage: Historically used for those dedicated to temple service. The masculine form Devadas or Devadasa and the feminine Devadasi exist, but the history of the devadasi institution is complex and varies regionally.
• Note: Because the devadasi tradition has histories of artistic dedication as well as social controversy, some families may prefer alternatives that avoid social baggage.

8. Dāsī / Dasi / Dasika (feminine)

Meaning: “Female servant/devotee.” Pronunciation: daa-see / da-see-ka.

• Usage: Can appear as a suffix (e.g., Radha‑dāsī = “servant of Radha”) or a standalone given name in modern contexts. Be mindful of historical associations if using forms similar to “Devadasi.”

9. Bhaktadas / Bhaktadasa

Meaning: “Servant-devotee” (bhakta = devotee, dāsa = servant). Pronunciation: bhak-ta-daas.

• Usage: Emphasises devotion (bhakti) as well as service. May appeal to families who favour a theologically explicit devotion-based name rather than a deity-specific one.

10. Sevak / Sevika / Seva

Meaning: From seva — “service.” Sevak (servant/helper, typically masculine), Sevika (feminine). Pronunciation: say-vak / say-vee-ka.

• Usage: More modern and pan-religious in tone; often chosen for the ethical idea of service. In a devotional context it can imply service to God or to the community.

Practical notes for parents

• Choose a deity name that reflects family tradition (Vaiṣṇava, Śaiva, Śākta etc.) if you want a clear sectarian or devotional link; otherwise pick a neutral form like Devadas or Bhaktadas.
• Pay attention to gendered suffixes: dāsa is masculine, dāsī feminine; some modern forms are now used cross-gender.
• Consider regional pronunciation and script when registering the name formally (Devanagari, Bengali, Tamil scripts will transliterate differently).
• Be aware of historical connotations — for example, names closely associated with the devadasi tradition may carry social implications in certain communities.

Respecting diversity

Different texts and commentaries frame devotion and “servanthood” in varied ways: in some Vaiṣṇava writings dāsa is the highest devotional ideal, while some Smārta or non-sectarian families may prefer non-deity-specific forms. This article presents common linguistic formations and cultural notes without prescribing theology. If you seek a name tied to a specific scripture or saint, consult regional temple records, family elders or a knowledgeable pandit/acharya for precise lineage and ritual suitability.

Note: This summary gives linguistic and cultural information. It does not offer ritual or medical advice. If you consult priests or elders about naming rituals, consider customary practices along with personal preference.