10 baby boy names that mean ‘moon’

Why the moon matters in Hindu thought

The moon occupies a large symbolic space in Hindu literature and living practice. In Vedic hymns the lunar deity is called Soma — both a god and a ritual substance — and later Puranic and temple traditions use the name Chandra for the moon-god. The moon appears in myth, temple iconography (for example, Śiva as Chandrasekhara — “he who bears the moon”), and in the calendar: tithis (lunar days) and nakshatras (lunar mansions) shape festivals and naming customs. Different schools and commentators interpret these symbols in diverse ways; here we focus on names that literally or traditionally mean “moon” or are well-established lunar epithets.

Ten baby boy names that mean “moon”

Each entry gives a short meaning, a note on origin or scriptural usage, and a common short form or pronunciation aid.

• Chandra — Pronunciation: /CHUN-dra/. Literal meaning “moon.” A classical Sanskrit word and the standard name of the lunar deity in Puranic and puranic-derived contexts. Widely used across India and often a component in compound names (e.g., Chandrasekhar).
• Soma — Pronunciation: /SO-ma/. In the Rigveda, Soma is both the sacred drink and the deity associated with the moon. As a name it carries Vedic resonance and is historically masculine.
• Shashi (also Shashank) — Pronunciation: /SHA-shi/, /sha-SHANK/. Literally “having the hare-mark” (a poetic image for the moon’s surface pattern) and used in classical poetry as an epithet for the moon. Shashi is commonly used for boys and girls; Shashank tends to be masculine.
• Indu — Pronunciation: /IN-du/. Etymologically “a drop” (often glossed as a drop of nectar) and used in Sanskrit poetry as an epithet of the moon. Short, traditional, and pan‑Indian.
• Chandrasekhar — Pronunciation: /CHAN-dra-sek-har/. Literally “one who wears the moon (as an ornament).” An established epithet of Śiva in Śaiva iconography (Śiva with the crescent moon on his matted hair) and a classical male name.
• Shashidhara — Pronunciation: /sha-SHI-dha-ra/. “Bearer of the moon.” Another Śaiva epithet referring to Śiva’s crescent; used as a respectful personal name.
• Somesh (or Someshvara) — Pronunciation: /SO-mesh/, /so-mesh-VA-ra/. “Lord of Soma/the moon.” Historically attested as the name of kings and temples; the longer form (Someshvara) is explicitly theistic.
• Chandrakant — Pronunciation: /CHAN-dra-kant/. Literally “beloved of the moon” or, in some uses, “moonstone.” Common in many Indian languages; masculine and poetic.
• Chandramohan — Pronunciation: /CHAN-dra-mo-han/. Composite of Chandra (moon) + mohan (enchanter): often taken to mean “one as charming as the moon.” Widely used in devotional and literary contexts.
• Chandresh — Pronunciation: /CHAN-dresh/. “Lord of the moon” (Chandra + īśa/īsh). A modern-sounding classical compound used as a masculine name.

Short notes on usage, gender and regional sound

Many lunar names are pan‑Indian but may change form with language and region (for example, Chandrasekhar in Sanskrit becomes Chandrashekhar or Chandrashekar in regional spellings). Some names such as Shashi are used for both boys and girls; others (like Someshvara) are explicitly masculine due to the divine epithet. Nicknames are often drawn from the first syllable (e.g., “Chand,” “Shash,” “Indu”).

Scriptural and ritual associations

Different texts emphasise different lunar aspects. Vedic hymns address Soma; Puranas and temple iconography link the moon to deities such as Śiva. In astrology (jyotiṣa), the moon’s placement affects naming practices in many families: some follow nakshatra-based syllable systems, others name children after deities or symbolic qualities. If you follow a family tradition or a particular āgama (temple manual) or regional custom, consult that source or an elder for guidance.

How to choose — practical tips

• Meaning & sound: Pick a name whose literal meaning and tone you and your family like; many moon-names have soft, lyrical sounds suited to devotional registers.
• Family tradition: Some families have gotra or ancestral name patterns — respect those and ask elders before deciding.
• Nakshatra & syllable rules: If you follow astrological naming customs, note which syllable is prescribed by the child’s nakshatra; many lunar names begin with those syllables.
• Gender sensitivity: Be aware some names are unisex while others are traditionally masculine.
• Modern usage: Consider common short forms and how the name will sound in school, official records and daily life.

A final, respectful note

The moon is a layered symbol in Hindu thought — astronomical, ritual, poetic and devotional. Choices about a child’s name often mix linguistic meaning, family memory and religious sentiment. If you want a name tied to a particular scripture, temple or lineage, it’s appropriate to consult a family elder, priest or scholar who knows your community’s practices. Wherever you draw a name from, using it with understanding and respect honours the tradition behind it.