10 Indian baby names that mean ‘gift of God’

Introduction

Many Indian names carry layered meanings rooted in Sanskrit and devotional practice. If you want a name that conveys “gift of God,” there are several classical and modern choices. Below I give ten names used across regions and communities, with literal breakdowns, simple pronunciations, cultural notes and possible nicknames. I also briefly explain a few Sanskrit roots used here: datta — “given,” prasāda — “gracious gift/offerings (from a deity),” anugraha — “divine favour or grace,” and kr̥pā (kripa) — “mercy or compassion.” Different traditions may emphasize slightly different nuances; I note those where helpful.

10 names that mean (or connote) “gift of God”

• Devadatta (deh-va-dut-ta) — male

  Literal: deva (god) + datta (given) = “given by God.” A classical Sanskrit name found in Puranic and Buddhist literature. Used across India in forms such as Devdutt or Devdatta. Nicknames: Dev, Dutt, Datta. Interpretive note: in some Buddhist texts a person named Devadatta appears with a complex role; the name itself remains popular for its literal sense.

• Dattatreya (dat-ta-trey-a) — male

  Literal: dattā (given) + treya (by the three) = “given by the three (gods).” This is the name of a syncretic deity traditionally seen as the combined gift of Brahma, Viṣṇu and Śiva. Dattatreya appears in Puranas and in the Mahabharata; there is also a living Dattatreya sampradaya (lineage) that reveres him.

• Devaprasad / Devaprasad(a) (day-va-pra-sad) — male/female

  Literal: deva (god) + prasāda (gracious gift/blessing) = “blessing or gift of God.” Prasāda is also the consecrated food offered in puja, so this name carries devotional resonance. Common as a compound name in many Indian languages. Nicknames: Deva, Prasad.

• Prasad / Prasada (pra-sad) — male/female

  Literal and cultural meaning: “grace, gift, or consecrated offering.” As a personal name it evokes divine blessing received by the family or child. Used widely across regions; spelling and gendered forms vary by language. In many households, prasāda is central to ritual life, which gives the name a lived devotional meaning.

• Anugraha / Anugrah (a-nu-gra-ha) — male/female

  Literal: “anugraha” means “divine favour, blessing, or benevolent gift.” The term appears in many theological and devotional texts as the gift of grace that a deity bestows. As a name it highlights the sense of life or child as a bestowal of grace. Nicknames: Anu, Grah/Gracy (regional).

• Kripa / Kripā (kri-pa) — male/female

  Literal: “mercy” or “compassion,” often used to indicate the merciful gift of the divine. In many Bhakti and philosophical texts, kr̥pā is the compassionate giving of spiritual benefit; as a name it emphasizes that the child is seen as a merciful gift. Nicknames: Krip, Kripi.

• Vardan / Vardaan (var-dan) — male

  Literal: “boon” or “blessing.” The Sanskrit root var relates to granting or blessing; vardan denotes something given that increases good fortune. While not literally “given by God” in grammatical form, culturally it is used to mean a blessed gift or boon (often understood as divine). Nicknames: Varun (not identical), Dan.

• Ishwarprasad / Ishwar Prasad (ish-war pra-sad) — male

  Literal compound: Ishwar (Lord/God) + prasad (gift/blessing) = “God’s gift/blessing.” This is a traditional compound name found in North India, often given when a child is seen as a special blessing. It is straightforward and devotional in tone. Nicknames: Ishwar, Prasad.

• Bhagadatta (bha-ga-dut-ta) — male

  Literal: Bhaga is a Vedic deity of prosperity/fortune; datta means “given” — thus “gift of Bhaga” or “given by fortune/God.” Bhagadatta is a classical name (a king of Pragjyotisha in the Mahabharata). Using this name evokes Vedic and epic associations and can be understood as “divinely given.”

• Deodat / Deodatt / Deodatta (day-o-dut) — male

  Regional forms of the same compound: Deo/Deva (god) + datt (given) = “given by God.” Variants appear in many Indian languages (for example, Deodhar, Deodutta, Devdatta). The form Deodat is common in Marathi and North Indian usage. Nicknames: Deo, Datt.

Choosing among these names

Many of these names share roots (for example, datta and prasāda), so pick by sound, family tradition, or the precise nuance you prefer — “given” versus “gracious gift” versus “divine favor.” Some names are strongly associated with particular deities or stories (Dattatreya, Bhagadatta); others are more neutral and devotional (Prasad, Anugrah).

Practical notes: consider regional pronunciation and spelling, family naming conventions, and any astrological or community practices you observe. If a name will be used in rituals or written in a particular script, check traditional spellings. Interpretive meanings can vary by sect and commentator; the explanations above focus on commonly accepted linguistic senses.

Closing thought

Names that mean “gift of God” often express gratitude and hope. Whether you choose a classical Sanskrit compound, a devotional compound, or a vernacular form, the underlying sentiment remains similar: the child is welcomed as a blessing. If you’d like, tell me which sounds you prefer (short vs long, traditional vs modern, male/female/unisex) and I can suggest a shortlist tailored to your language and region.