10 baby names that mean ‘sky’ or ‘heaven’

Names that mean “sky” or “heaven”: a short guide

Choosing a name that evokes the sky or heaven draws on a long Sanskrit vocabulary used in the Vedas, epics and later devotional literature. Below are ten names — with their basic sense, grammatical gender where common, and a brief note about textual or cultural context. I use Sanskrit words in italics on first mention with a short gloss. Different traditions and regions may favour different pronunciations and spellings.

1. Akash / Akasha (आकाश)

Akasha — “sky; ether.” One of the five great elements (pañca mahābhūta) in classical Indian thought, akasha denotes the open firmament and, in some systems, the medium of sound. Akash (male) and Akasha (female) are common modern names across India. Vedic and later texts treat akasha both as cosmological element and poetic image.

2. Vyom / Vyoma (व्योम)

Vyoma — “sky; firmament.” The word appears in the Ṛgveda and in classical Sanskrit poetry as a synonym of the open heavens. Vyom (male) or Vyoma (female) are compact, Vedic-rooted names. In some Upanishadic passages the term is used in cosmological or meditative contexts; commentators vary on metaphysical readings.

3. Nabha / Nabhas (नभ)

Nabha / nabhas — “sky; atmosphere.” A frequent poetic word in Sanskrit, often used with kinesthetic or changing images of weather and clouds. Nabha is used as a given name for boys and sometimes as a neutral name. You will find the root in early Vedic hymns and in later poetry.

4. Ambar / Ambara (अम्बर / अम्बर)

Ambara — “sky; atmosphere; the garment that covers.” In classical Sanskrit ambara can mean “sky” or “garment” (metaphorically the sky as a covering). Ambar is used as a masculine name; its literary feel is slightly different from the elemental tone of akasha or vyoma.

5. Dyaus (द्यौष्) / Dyau

Dyaus — the Vedic sky-god, often invoked as Dyaus Pitā (“Sky Father”) in the Ṛgveda. As a personal name it is rare today, but historically the root word is one of the oldest for “sky” in Indo-European languages. Because it is also a deity-name, families may treat it with particular ritual respect; some communities avoid using primary deity names as ordinary given names.

6. Svarga / Swarga (स्वर्ग)

Svarga — “heaven; the realm of gods.” In epic and Purāṇic literature svarga designates the celestial realm where devas dwell. As a given name (Swarga) it is uncommon but direct in meaning. Note: in many theological readings svarga denotes a temporary heavenly reward distinct from mokṣa (liberation).

7. Divya / Divyā (दिव्य)

Divya — “divine; heavenly; luminous.” Although not literally “sky,” divya carries a clear sense of the heavenly and the luminous. Used widely for girls and also as a neutral/unisex name, it appears in devotional literature and in modern usage to mean “celestial” or “sacred.”

8. Divyansh / Divyanshu / Divyanka

From divya + ‹aṃśa› — “part of the divine.” These modern compound names (Divyansh, Divyanshu for boys; Divyanka for girls) are popular and explicitly suggest connection to something heavenly or divine rather than naming a specific deity or realm.

9. Indra / Indira (इन्द्र / इन्दिरा)

Indra — the Vedic king of gods, often associated with the heavens, rain and thunder. Indra is a deity-name; Indira is a common feminine form (also used independently as a name for goddesses and persons). Because Indra is a principal Vedic deity, some families use it freely as a name while others prefer to reserve deity-names for devotional contexts. Textual mentions are abundant (Ṛgveda and later).

10. Nila / Neel / Neela (नील)

Nīla — “blue.” While not literally “sky,” the word evokes the blue sky or the dark-blue of some deities (for example, Vishnu is sometimes called nīlakaṇṭha). Nila (female), Neel or Neil (male) are used across India and carry a poetic, sky-like quality.

Practical notes and cultural sensitivity

• Deity-names: Using names of gods (for example, Indra or Dyaus) is common in many Indian communities, but practice varies. Some families observe a naming rite (nāmakaraṇa) or consult elders or astrologers before finalising a name.
• Meaning vs. usage: Words like divya (divine) or nīla (blue) are related to “heavenly” in poetic and devotional contexts; they do not always denote a literal cosmological sphere.
• Spelling and pronunciation: Regional scripts and languages change spellings (Akash/Aakaash; Neel/Nil). If you want a precise Sanskrit form, ask a scholar or priest for the traditional transliteration.
• Respectful choice: If you choose a name connected to a deity or sacred concept, be aware some families attach rituals, mantras or particular observances. That is a cultural preference, not a requirement.

These ten names mix classical Sanskrit roots found in Vedic and later literature with modern naming usage. They offer literal terms for the sky or heaven (for example akasha, vyoma, nabha), deity-linked possibilities (dyaus, indra), and words that evoke the heavenly by colour or divinity (nila, divya). If you want, I can suggest regional spellings, short-form nicknames, or pairings (first + middle name) that fit family traditions.