10 baby names inspired by characters from the Mahabharata

Choosing a Mahābhārata name: meaning, memory and care

The Mahābhārata is not only an epic narrative but a living cultural reservoir of names, ideals and ethical dilemmas. When families consider a name from the Mahābhārata they often seek a word that carries story, virtue and resonance. Keep in mind that characters in the epic are complex: readings vary by region, by school (for example, Vaiṣṇava and Smārta commentaries), and by modern scholarship. Here “dharma” — ethical duty — is introduced as a recurring theme in many characters’ arcs; different traditions interpret dharma in distinct ways.

Ten names inspired by Mahābhārata characters

1. Arjun / Arjuna

Meaning: “bright,” “shining,” or “one who is clear” in Sanskrit.

• Why it’s used: Arjuna is the Pandava prince who receives the Bhagavad Gītā’s teaching. He is associated with valour, devotion to duty and the struggle to act rightly under moral pressure. Gītā commentators note his central role as the seeker who asks questions on dharma.
• Notes: Common, modern, and regionally adaptable. Often shortened to “Arjun.”

2. Draupadi

Meaning: “born of Draupada” (daughter of King Draupada); sometimes read as “firm” or “steadfast.”

• Why it’s used: Draupadi is a pivotal female figure—queen, moral agent and catalyst of the war. Feminist and devotional readings differ: in some traditions she is revered as a form of Durga or Bhadrakali; literary scholars emphasise her agency and dignity.
• Notes: Often chosen for its strong, dignified associations. Variants and pet names include “Drau” or “Padi” in informal family use.

3. Krishna

Meaning: “dark,” “all-attractive.”

• Why it’s used: In the Mahābhārata Krishna is Arjuna’s charioteer and the speaker of the Bhagavad Gītā. In Vaiṣṇava traditions he is also God (Vishnu’s avatar); other schools emphasise his ethical counsel and political role. Gītā scholars often point to his teachings across chapters 2–18.
• Notes: Widely used; evokes devotion (bhakti) and philosophical guidance. Feminine forms and nicknames (Krishi, Krsna) vary by region.

4. Karna

Meaning: “ear” (etymologically); in story terms, associated with generosity and loyalty.

• Why it’s used: Karna is admired for loyalty, bravery and extreme generosity (dāna). He is also morally complex—origin and allegiance debates make him a figure of tragic nobility. Modern readers often highlight his outsider status and compassion.
• Notes: Use with awareness of the character’s contested moral standing; it can signal empathy for the underdog.

5. Abhimanyu

Meaning: “heroic,” “one who is proud or fearless” (son of Arjuna).

• Why it’s used: Remembered for bravery and youthful sacrifice (entrapped in the Chakravyuha formation). His story appears near the middle of the Kurukṣetra war narrative and is often evoked as an emblem of courage.
• Notes: Often chosen by families who value valour and early promise; affectionate short forms include “Abhi.”

6. Yudhisthira

Meaning: “steady in war” or “firm in battle.”

• Why it’s used: The eldest Pandava, associated with steadfast adherence to dharma and truth. His life raises questions about moral complexity—his commitment to truth sometimes causes painful dilemmas, a feature commentators often explore.
• Notes: Formal and classical; shortened forms like “Yudi” are common.

7. Bhima

Meaning: “terrible,” “formidable.”

• Why it’s used: Bhīma is known for great strength, loyalty and appetite—both literal and for justice. He embodies physical courage and protective instinct in many retellings.
• Notes: Straightforward and strong-sounding; often used across languages (Bhima, Bheem).

8. Nakula

Meaning: Often associated with “mongoose” or “sabre-toothed,” Nakula is one of the twin Pandavas.

• Why it’s used: Praised for beauty, skill with horses and service. In some readings he represents calm competence and aesthetic grace.
• Notes: Paired with Sahadeva (his twin); short forms like “Naku” are used locally.

9. Sahadeva

Meaning: “twin of good lineage” or “charioteer’s companion” in some glosses.

• Why it’s used: The other Pandava twin; associated with wisdom, astute counsel and astrology in some later traditions. He is often read as quietly capable and ethically steady.
• Notes: Rare but meaningful; often paired conceptually with Nakula.

10. Subhadra

Meaning: “auspicious,” “of good fortune.”

• Why it’s used: Sister of Krishna and wife of Arjuna; in many regional traditions she is revered as a gentle, stabilising figure. Her story bridges Krishna’s household and the Pandava family.
• Notes: Soft-sounding, historically rooted, and adaptable across languages.

Practical tips for choosing and using these names

Consider how a name sounds with your family surname, how it abbreviates into nicknames, and whether you want a distinct or common name. Be mindful of regional pronunciations and the character’s fuller story: some figures are morally ambivalent and that complexity can be a strength if you want a name with depth. Families who prefer a devotional angle may also choose to pair the personal name with a temple or deity name at naming ceremonies—different communities have different customs; follow what feels respectful to your tradition.

These suggestions aim to be descriptive and non-prescriptive: the Mahābhārata’s characters offer many virtues and puzzles, and different readers and traditions will emphasise different traits. Choosing a name is ultimately about the story you want to carry forward.