10 Unique Baby Names from the stories of the Puranas

Introduction

The Puranas — a broad genre of Sanskrit texts that record cosmogony, genealogies, legends and moral tales — are a rich source of personal names that carry narrative depth. Below are ten distinctive baby-name ideas drawn from Puranic stories. For each I give a brief gloss, the textual tradition where the figure appears, a short story-note, pronunciation help and a caution about interpretation where relevant. I aim to be descriptive and non-sectarian: many characters are shared across Śaiva, Vaiṣṇava and other Puranic layers, and versions can differ from one Purana to another.

1. Ila (Īla)

Meaning: often rendered as “earth” or a proper name; sometimes written Ila/Ilā. Source: appears in several Puranas (Vishnu Purana, Matsya Purana, Vayu Purana).

• Story-note: Ila is a child of Manu whose gender changes and who becomes ancestor to important dynasties. The tale is cited in multiple Puranic accounts and is often discussed in relation to gender and lineage.
• Pronunciation: EE-la.
• Usage note: Izzy-friendly short form; regarded as gender-fluid in many tellings, so it can suit boys, girls or a neutral choice.

2. Revati

Meaning: “the wealthy” or “prosperous.” Source: Bhagavata Purana (Puranic account of Balarama).

• Story-note: Revati is the daughter of King Kakudmi and is given in marriage to Balarama, Krishna’s elder brother, after an unusual time-dilation episode when the bride’s father visits the gods. The episode is often cited when discussing divine time and dharma — ethical duty.
• Pronunciation: reh-VAH-tee.
• Usage note: A traditional female name with clear Puranic pedigree and noble associations.

3. Aniruddha

Meaning: “unobstructed, invincible.” Source: Bhagavata Purana (stories of Krishna’s family).

• Story-note: Aniruddha is Krishna’s grandson, central to the romance of Usha and the confrontation with her father Banasura. The tale appears richly in the 10th Canto tradition of the Bhagavata Purana and later Puranic retellings.
• Pronunciation: uh-nir-OO-dha.
• Usage note: Stately and classical; used historically among Vaishnava families and now more widely.

4. Usha

Meaning: “dawn.” Source: Bhagavata Purana (Usha, daughter of Banasura).

• Story-note: Usha dreams of and falls in love with Aniruddha; her story weaves romance, conflict and divine intervention. The name carries poetic connotations of morning and new beginnings.
• Pronunciation: OO-sha.
• Usage note: Short, lyrical and common in both literary and devotional registers.

5. Markandeya

Meaning: “young one of the Markandeya lineage” (name of the sage himself). Source: Markandeya Purana and other Puranic/Smriti texts.

• Story-note: Markandeya is the devotee who is blessed by Shiva to conquer death; the Markandeya Purana preserves hymns and legends associated with his life. In Śaiva circles his story exemplifies bhakti (devotion) and tapas (austerity).
• Pronunciation: mar-kan-DAY-ya.
• Usage note: Often used as a masculine name or as a devotional element in compound names.

6. Prithu

Meaning: often associated with “broad” or “king who made the earth yield.” Source: Vishnu Purana and other Puranas.

• Story-note: King Prithu is a righteous sovereign who, by his rule, brings prosperity to the earth — sometimes called Prithvi for the planet. The Prithu episode is used to discuss kingly duty and the relationship between ruler and land.
• Pronunciation: PRI-thoo.
• Usage note: A strong, classical male name with agricultural and regal imagery.

7. Vasuki

Meaning: a serpent name; traditionally given to a king of nāgas. Source: Puranic accounts of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean) in texts such as the Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana.

• Story-note: Vasuki serves as the churning-rope around Mount Mandara in the cosmic ocean-churning; the image links the name to power, coils and service in a cosmic drama.
• Pronunciation: va-SOO-kee.
• Usage note: Distinctive and mythic; sometimes chosen for boys seeking a classical but uncommon name.

8. Shatarupa

Meaning: “one of a hundred forms.” Source: Puranic cosmogonic accounts where Brahma fashions a companion.

• Story-note: Shatarupa appears in creation narratives as a figure made by Brahma; the motif is used to discuss multiplicity of forms and the play of creation. Different Puranas present variations on her role and genealogy.
• Pronunciation: sha-ta-ROO-pa.
• Usage note: Poetic and evocative for a girl’s name; carries philosophical allusion to form and diversity.

9. Anasuya

Meaning: “free from envy” (non-jealous). Source: Appears in Puranic stories and the Mahabharata tradition as the chaste wife of sage Atri.

• Story-note: Anasuya exemplifies hospitality and virtuous conduct; Puranic tales celebrate her purity and the blessings she receives from gods. She is honoured across several devotional traditions.
• Pronunciation: a-na-SOO-ya.
• Usage note: A classical feminine name with moral and devotional overtones.

10. Sudama

Meaning: “one of simple gifts” or “good gift.” Source: Bhagavata Purana (friend of Krishna).

• Story-note: Sudama is remembered as Krishna’s childhood friend who remains humble and content; his story is often cited in discussions of friendship, humility and divine grace in Vaishnava circles.
• Pronunciation: Soo-DAH-ma.
• Usage note: Gentle, devotional and uncommon in modern usage; suits parents wanting a simple, story-rich name.

Choosing a Puranic Name—Notes for Parents

When selecting a Puranic name, consider how the story behind the name fits the values you wish to invoke. Puranic characters are multilayered: a single figure can be heroic in one text and morally ambiguous in another. If you want a precise textual citation (Purana name, canto, chapter) for any of these names, traditional commentaries and critical editions can provide that detail; versions and emphasis vary across regions and sects, so consider local oral traditions along with written sources.

Pronunciation tip: Sanskrit-based names often have predictable syllable stress; a quick conversation with a family priest, teacher or someone versed in Sanskrit can help settle local pronunciation and spelling conventions.