15 unique baby boy names that mean ‘wise’

Choosing a name that means “wise” — a short note

In Sanskrit and the Indic traditions, words for “wisdom” range from practical intelligence to spiritual knowledge. Terms such as jñāna — knowledge, prajñā — discriminative or higher wisdom, and medhā — intellectual power, appear across the Vedas, Upaniṣads, the Mahābhārata and later devotional and philosophical literature. Different schools may emphasise different registers (ethical discrimination in Vedānta, practical sagacity in Smṛti, intuitive insight in Buddhist and tantric contexts). The names below are drawn from these lexical fields; I note roots, brief cultural context, and simple pronunciation tips so families from any tradition can choose with confidence.

15 boy names meaning “wise” (with notes)

1. Vidura (vi‑du‑ra)

• Meaning/root: From vid — “to know”; Vidura literally “wise” or “knowing one”.
• Context: Vidura is the wise counsellor in the Mahābhārata, praised for dharma (ethical duty) and practical judgment.
• Usage: Classical and pan‑Indian; connotes moral as well as intellectual wisdom.
• Nicknames: Vid, Vidu.

2. Budha (bu‑dha)

• Meaning/root: “Intelligent, awake.” From the root budh — to awaken or understand.
• Context: Name of the planet Mercury (Budha) and linked to quick intellect; appears in Purāṇic genealogies.
• Usage: Short, classical, carries astrological associations for some families.

3. Buddhiman (buddhi‑man)

• Meaning/root: “One endowed with buddhi” — intellect, wisdom.
• Context: Used in classical Sanskrit to describe learned or wise men; neutral across sects.
• Nicknames: Buddhi, Manu.

4. Medhavi (medhā‑vi)

• Meaning/root: From medhā — intelligence, learning; “wise” or “intelligent one”.
• Context: Appears in the Vedas and later literature as a praise‑word for poets and philosophers.
• Usage: Slightly literary; respectful and classical.

5. Dhīra / Dheer (dhī‑ra)

• Meaning/root: From dhī — mind/intellect; dhīra implies steadiness, composed wisdom.
• Context: Used in epics and devotional poetry to describe courageous patience and wise restraint.
• Usage: Simple, pan‑Indian; often chosen for its moral connotation.

6. Vivek (vi‑vek)

• Meaning/root: “Discernment, ability to distinguish” — a key term in Vedānta and in modern ethical vocabulary.
• Context: Commentators on the Gītā and later Vedāntins stress viveka as essential wisdom.
• Usage: Popular contemporary name; modern and traditional resonance.

7. Prajnān / Prajnan (praj‑ñān)

• Meaning/root: From prajñā — higher wisdom or discriminative insight.
• Context: Prominent in Upaniṣads and Buddhist texts; denotes awakened, reflective insight rather than mere information.
• Usage: Slightly philosophical; sometimes used in scholarly families.

8. Jñānesh / Jnanesh (jñā‑nesh)

• Meaning/root: From jñāna — knowledge; suffix -esh often means “lord” or “master”.
• Context: Jnaneshwar (a Marathi saint) popularised the root; the name suggests one at home in knowledge.
• Nicknames: Jnan, Nesh.

9. Jnāni / Jnani (jñā‑ni)

• Meaning/root: “One who knows” — often used in philosophy to describe a realised person.
• Context: Used across Vedānta and bhakti literature as a respectful title for the wise.
• Usage: Simple and classical; emphasizes inner knowledge.

10. Manish (ma‑nish)

• Meaning/root: From manas — mind; Manish commonly means “wise, intelligent.”
• Context: Classical and modern; used across India without strong sectarian associations.
• Nicknames: Mani, Nish.

11. Bodhi / Bodh (bo‑dhi)

• Meaning/root: From bodha — awakening, enlightenment.
• Context: Strongly associated with the Buddha’s awakening (bodhi); also used in Hindu devotional contexts to indicate spiritual insight.
• Usage: Short, contemporary, spiritually resonant.

12. Subodh (su‑bodh)

• Meaning/root: “Well understood” or “good wisdom” (su + bodh).
• Context: Suggests clarity of understanding; appears in modern and classical usage.
• Usage: Gentle and accessible; fits many linguistic regions.

13. Nipun (ni‑pun)

• Meaning/root: “Skilful, expert; adept” — often implies applied wisdom and experience.
• Context: Used to denote practical mastery as well as intelligence.
• Usage: Short, modern; suits families who value practical sagacity.

14. Praveen (pra‑veen)

• Meaning/root: “Skilful, proficient” — often used to indicate seasoned knowledge.
• Context: Common modern name with classical roots; less overtly philosophical but close to ‘wise’ in everyday sense.
• Usage: Popular in contemporary India.

15. Medhakar (medhā‑kar)

• Meaning/root: “One who creates or brings forth medhā (intellect)” — literally ‘bestower/producer of intellect’.
• Context: Poetic and slightly rare; has a classical flavour drawing on Vedic praise of wisdom.
• Usage: Suitable when families want a literary Sanskrit name.

Practical notes for families

Some families consult nakshatra (lunar mansion), horoscope, or familial traditions before selecting a name — if you follow such practices, check with your family priest or astrologer. Spellings and pronunciations may vary by region and language; each name above has multiple acceptable forms. Finally, meanings and connotations can shift across texts and traditions — for example, prajñā in a Buddhist text may carry a different doctrinal weight than in a Vedāntic one — so if a particular philosophical nuance matters, consider discussing it with a teacher or scholar in your tradition.

Note: This list aims to be linguistically and culturally informed while remaining neutral toward religious schools. If you want names matched to a particular language, script, or nakshatra, I can provide transliteration and suggested spellings.