Top Baby Names Inspired by Lord Krishna

Why choose a name inspired by Lord Krishna?

Krishna is one of the most widely venerated figures in Hinduism: a cowherd boy, charioteer and teacher in the Bhagavad Gita, a playful lover in the Bhagavata Purana, and a central deity in many Vaiṣṇava traditions. Names that come from Krishna’s epithets or from people closely associated with him carry layers of literary, theological and regional meaning. Choosing such a name can signal family devotion, cultural continuity, or simply an appreciation for the poetic and musical quality of the names.

How to read the entries below

Each name is given with a short gloss; Sanskrit terms are briefly explained on first use (for example, tithi — lunar day). I note common scriptural sources or traditional contexts, likely gender usage, and a short practical note on variants or nicknames. Interpretations vary by region and school; I indicate when a name is especially prominent in a particular tradition (Vaiṣṇava, Smārta, regional folk practice).

Popular male names inspired by Krishna

• Krishna — “dark/attractive.” The central name used across texts (Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana). Widely used for boys and as a devotional name; informal diminutive: Krish.
• Govinda — “finder/protector of cows” or “one who gives joy to the senses.” Common in Vaiṣṇava bhakti literature and kirtan. Variant: Govind.
• Gopala — “protector of cows” (go — cow; pala — protector). Evokes Krishna’s childhood as a cowherd; popular in devotional communities.
• Madhava — “descendant of Madhu” or “sweet like honey.” Appears in classical poetry and is a common epithet in Vaishnava hymnody.
• Vasudeva — “son of Vasudeva” and a name used for Krishna in the Bhagavata Purana and the Vishnu sahasranama. Often used in compound names (e.g., Vasu).
• Keshava — “one with beautiful hair” or a traditional epic epithet. Prominent in the Mahabharata and in temple liturgy.
• Hari — “remover (of sins or suffering)” or simply a name for Vishnu/Krishna in many traditions. Short, pan-Indian and devotional.
• Mukunda — “giver of liberation.” Frequently used in bhakti songs and has a devotional connotation.
• Damodara — “one bound by a rope around the belly,” referring to the child Krishna episode with Yashoda. Used with affectionate, family-oriented connotations.
• Balakrishna / Bala Krishna — “child Krishna.” Emphasizes the childhood aspect; common in South India and among devotees who celebrate Krishna’s play (lila).
• Achyuta — “infallible, never-falling.” Found in classical texts and devotional verses; used across communities.
• Shyama / Shyam — “dark one,” poetic and affectionate; very common in North India as a male given name or nickname.

Popular female names connected to Krishna

• Radha — Krishna’s principal female consort in many bhakti traditions. Connotes devotion and love; central to Gaudiya and many North Indian devotional literatures.
• Rukmini — one of Krishna’s chief wives in puranic stories; used widely as a traditional female name in South India.
• Satyabhama — another principal wife of Krishna, known from the epics and Puranas; the name signals firmness and truthfulness (satyam — truth).
• Yashoda — Krishna’s foster-mother in his childhood narratives; evokes maternal love and protection.
• Devaki — Krishna’s biological mother; used as a respectful, classical name for girls.
• Vrinda — associated with the sacred tulsi plant and with devotees who sang to Krishna; used across regions.
• Subhadra — Krishna’s sister (also connected to Balarama). A traditional name with Puranic roots.

Unisex and modern variants

• Krish — shortened, contemporary form used for any gender.
• Harihara — compound invoking both Vishnu/Krishna (Hari) and Shiva (Hara); used in Smārta contexts to signal inclusive familial devotion.
• Madhuri / Madhur — “sweet”; feminine and masculine forms derived from Madhava/Madhuri associations.

Names with strong regional flavour

• Manohar (North India) — “one who steals the heart,” a poetic epithet for Krishna.
• Murlidhar (Hindi/Marathi) — “holder of the flute” (murli — flute). Strongly associated with Krishna’s pastoral depictions.
• Murari (South/North) — “enemy of the demon Mura”; classical puranic epithet.

Practical notes on choosing and using these names

• Scriptural resonance: Some names (Vasudeva, Keshava, Madhava) appear in specific chapters or hymns — for example, Vasudeva and Keshava occur in the Bhagavata and Mahabharata. Families who value scriptural linkage often pick names with clear source passages.
• Festivals and naming: Naming ceremonies (namakarana) often take place on auspicious tithis (lunar days). Janmashtami — Krishna’s birth festival — falls on the Ashtami (eighth lunar day) in August–September (date varies each year; consult a local panchang). Many families choose a name associated with Krishna on that day.
• Pronunciation and spelling: Regional accents affect spelling (Krishna/ Kṛṣṇa; Govind/ Govinda). Decide early whether to use diacritics or a simplified Roman spelling for official documents.
• Community considerations: In some families the kuladevata (family deity) or sect (Vaiṣṇava, Smārta, etc.) informs name choice. Respect different practices — a name beloved in one tradition may have different connotations in another.
• Nickname and everyday use: Many Krishna-derived names naturally shorten to affectionate nicknames (Krish, Gopu, Madhav, Radhu). Consider how the name will sound in everyday use.

Closing notes

Names drawn from Krishna’s life and epithets connect a child to a vast literary and devotional tradition. They carry meanings that range from pastoral images to spiritual promises. If you consult priests, family elders or community texts for auspicious timing and precise forms, be mindful that practices differ by region and sect — there is no single ‘correct’ way, only traditions that families honor. Above all, choose a name that resonates with your values and the life you hope for the child.