10 mythological baby names that are still in vogue

Why mythological names endure

Names drawn from Hindu stories and scriptures continue to be popular across India because they carry layered meanings — moral ideals, family ties, regional histories and devotional associations. Many names come from the epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), the Purāṇas and the Upanishads, and they travel easily between religious streams: in some contexts a name evokes a Vaisnava *avatāra* — incarnation — in others a philosophical principle or a local folk tale. This list presents ten such names still in wide use, with brief notes on meaning, textual or festival associations, modern variants and where interpretation varies.

Rama

• Meaning: Often taken as “pleasing” or “charming.”
• Myth source: Hero of the Ramayana; in many Vaishnava traditions Rama is an avatāra of Vishnu whose life modelled ideal *dharma* — duty.
• Modern use: Extremely common as Ram, Rama, Ramachandra; used across India for boys and as a component in compound names (e.g., Ramakrishna).
• Notes: Rama Navami marks his birth on the lunar calendar; different recensions of the Ramayana highlight different traits (king, husband, warrior).

Sītā

• Meaning: “Furrow” — symbolically linked to earth and fertility.
• Myth source: Central female figure of the Ramayana, often read as an exemplar of steadfastness and moral resolve; interpretation varies widely among traditions and modern scholars.
• Modern use: Spelled Sita or Seetha in South India; frequently used for girls and as part of compound names.
• Notes: Many commentaries debate aspects of her agency and trials, so families often choose the name for its cultural resonance rather than a single theological reading.

Krishna

• Meaning: “Dark” or “attractive.”
• Myth source: A key figure in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana; in many Vaishnava traditions he is the supreme deity and the subject of intense *bhakti* — devotion.
• Modern use: Variants include Krish, Krishna, Kishan; used widely as a male name and also for girls in feminised forms (e.g., Krishnaveni).
• Notes: Krishna Janmashtami celebrates his birth (date varies by tithi each year). Different sects emphasize his roles as teacher (Gita), child, cowherd and lover.

Arjuna

• Meaning: “Bright,” “silver,” or “clear.”
• Myth source: Chief Pandava warrior in the Mahabharata; pupil of Krishna and protagonist of the Bhagavad Gita episode.
• Modern use: Arjun or Arjuna is popular across India for boys; used sometimes metaphorically to suggest focus or moral courage.
• Notes: Gita commentators highlight his moral confusion and eventual clarity; his story is often evoked in contexts of duty and ethical decision-making.

Lakshmi

• Meaning: “Auspicious mark,” goddess of wealth and prosperity.
• Myth source: Consort of Vishnu, widely worshipped in households and temples; central to rituals like Diwali Lakshmi puja.
• Modern use: Spelled Laxmi or Lakshmi; popular for girls and as part of compound names (e.g., Lakshmibai).
• Notes: Not just material wealth: classical texts also link Lakshmi to good fortune and spiritual grace; different Puranas narrate varied origin stories.

Saraswati

• Meaning: “One who flows” — associated with speech, learning and the arts.
• Myth source: Vedic and Puranic goddess; invoked in education, music and literary contexts.
• Modern use: Saraswati and variants (Saraswathi, Saraswati) are common for girls; schools and colleges often hold Saraswati puja.
• Notes: Saraswati is both a river deity in early texts and a patron of knowledge in later literature; associations shift by period and region.

Shiva

• Meaning: “Auspicious,” complex as a philosophical and devotional figure.
• Myth source: Principal deity in Shaiva traditions; major corpus includes the Puranas, the Shaiva Agamas and yogic texts.
• Modern use: Names like Shiva, Shankar, Shiv are common for boys; used also in compound names (e.g., Shivaprasad).
• Notes: In Shaiva texts Shiva is supreme; in Smarta and other streams he is part of the pantheon — practices and emphases differ by tradition.

Durga

• Meaning: “Inaccessible” or “invincible.”
• Myth source: Warrior goddess celebrated in the Devi Mahatmya (part of the Markandeya Purana) and widely worshipped during Navratri and Durga Puja.
• Modern use: Durga and variants (Durgā, Durgaprasad in compound names) are used for girls and in devotional contexts.
• Notes: Durga embodies protective power or *shakti* — energy; regional narratives give her many names and local forms.

Gaṇeśa

• Meaning: “Lord of the multitudes” (gana + īśa).
• Myth source: Elephant-headed remover of obstacles, son of Shiva and Parvati; celebrated in texts like the Ganapati Atharvashirsha and in festival worship (Ganesh Chaturthi).
• Modern use: Ganesh, Ganesha or Ganapati are popular male names and often used as affectionate nicknames.
• Notes: Many families invoke Ganesh at the start of ceremonies; different stories explain his elephant head and birth across regional traditions.

Parvati

• Meaning: “Daughter of the mountain” (Parvata).
• Myth source: Consort of Shiva, mother goddess in many Puranic narratives; appears in stories emphasising marital devotion, austerity and maternal roles.
• Modern use: Parvati, Parvathi and variants are widely used for girls; also appear in compound forms (e.g., Parvati Bai).
• Notes: Parvati appears in many regional tales as Durga or Kali in different moods; families often choose the name for its cultural depth rather than a single theological reading.

Choosing a mythological name today

When parents choose a mythological name they often balance sound, meaning, family tradition and religious sentiment. Consider pronunciation and regional variants, and be aware that some names carry specific festival or sectarian resonances (for example, Krishna with Janmashtami, or Durga with Navratri) — these associations can be a source of celebration but also of different interpretations. In public life many of these names are common across communities and languages, and their continued use shows how ancient stories remain woven into everyday identities.

Note: This article aims to present commonly used names and general associations; textual and devotional traditions vary, and scholars and practitioners may offer differing readings.