10 baby boy names that mean ‘lion-hearted’

A note before you begin

In Hindu cultural and spiritual practice, a name often carries meaning, lineage and a hope for character. Some parents choose names that literally mean “lion” or that recall lion-like strength and protection; others look for mythic figures who are lion-hearted defenders. Different communities and commentators read these names in different lights — for example, in Vaiṣṇava circles the name connected to Lord Nārasiṃha has devotional resonance, while in other regions surnames deriving from siṃha signal clan or martial identity. If you plan a ritual naming (nāmakaraṇa), many families consult a priest or astrologer about nakshatra syllables and timing. The entries below give etymology, a short cultural note and simple nickname or variant suggestions.

Quick list (at-a-glance)

• Narasimha — “man‑lion,” Viṣṇu’s fierce protector-avatar
• Narasimhan — South Indian variant of Narasimha
• Simha — “lion” (Sanskrit root)
• Singh / Sinha — derived from siṃha, widely used surname/given name
• Simhadri — “lion‑hill,” place-name turned personal name
• Simhanatha — “lord of lions” (honorific/epithet)
• Simhajit — “conqueror like a lion”
• Simhabahu — “lion‑armed,” mythic epithet
• Simhavarman — “armour/protector of the lion” (dynastic name)
• Simhamukha — “lion‑faced,” descriptive epithet

Narasimha — “man‑lion”

Meaning and root: From Sanskrit nara (man) + siṃha (lion). In Vaiṣṇava theology Nārasiṃha is the fourth avatāra of Viṣṇu, who appears to protect devotees and destroy injustice.

Cultural note: Widely used as a devotional name in South India and elsewhere. Nārasiṃha conveys both ferocity and protective compassion — “lion‑hearted” in the sense of courageous defender. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its clear scriptural link.

Nicknames/variants: Narayan + Simha blends appear; Tamil form Narasimhan is common.

Narasimhan — South Indian variant

Meaning and root: Same etymology as Nārasiṃha. The final nasal −n is a common South Indian adaptation (Tamil, Malayalam). It is a very common masculine given name and surname in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Cultural note: Carries identical devotional associations; comfortable in modern and traditional contexts.

Simha — “lion”

Meaning and root: Direct Sanskrit noun siṃha = lion. As a given name it is compact and literal: a direct evocation of the lion’s qualities.

Cultural note: The root is the source of many Indian family names (Sinha, Singh) and of place‑names and temple epithets. In classical Sanskrit literature, the lion frequently symbolizes valour and sovereignty.

Singh / Sinha — derived from “siṃha”

Meaning and root: Regional forms of siṃha. Singh is ubiquitous in North India as a middle or last name; Sinha is common in eastern and central India.

Cultural note: In Sikh history, Guru Gobind Singh formalised the use of “Singh” for Khalsa males in 1699 as a signifier of courage and equality. Among Rajputs and other communities, it marks martial lineage. As a given name, it carries clear “lion‑hearted” connotations and pan‑Indian recognition.

Simhadri — “lion‑hill”

Meaning and root: Siṃha (lion) + dri (mountain/hill). Simhadri is the traditional name of the hill and temple at Simhachalam near Visakhapatnam, dedicated to Lord Nārasiṃha.

Cultural note: Used as a given name, Simhadri evokes both the sanctuary’s protective deity and the steadfast strength associated with a hill. It is common in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Simhanatha — “lord of lions”

Meaning and root: Siṃha + natha (lord/master). This compound works as an epithet for gods and revered figures and can be chosen to express sovereign bravery.

Cultural note: Found in temple epithets and a few family lineages. As with many honorific compounds, it reads as ceremonial yet usable as a given name.

Simhajit — “victor/conqueror like a lion”

Meaning and root: Siṃha + jit (victor). The name stresses victorious valour — “one who conquers like a lion.”

Cultural note: Structurally familiar to many Sanskrit-derived names ending in −jit (e.g., Vijayit), and feels modern while retaining classical resonance.

Simhabahu — “lion‑armed”

Meaning and root: Siṃha + bahu (arm). The name appears in Puranic genealogies and epic stories (as a mythic king/hero). It suggests physical strength and heroic lineage.

Cultural note: Slightly archaic in tone; appeals to parents fond of classical or epic names.

Simhavarman — “armour/protector of the lion”

Meaning and root: Siṃha + varman (armour/protector). Historically used as a dynastic or kingly name (several South and Southeast Asian rulers carried similar compounds).

Cultural note: Conveys regality and protection; fits families who favour historically resonant names.

Simhamukha — “lion‑faced”

Meaning and root: Siṃha + mukha (face). Used as an epithet in iconography and occasionally as a personal name, it foregrounds the lion’s countenance — fierce, alert, courageous.

Cultural note: Often found in tantric and iconographic descriptions as well as in regional myths; can feel devotional or descriptive, depending on context.

Choosing and using these names

• Sound and regional fit: Consider how a name scans in your language and with family surnames; Tamil and Telugu forms often add a terminal −n or −an, for example.
• Devotional vs secular use: Names like Nārasiṃha carry specific Vaiṣṇava associations; others such as Singh or Simha are more broadly secular or clan‑based.
• Short forms: Most long compounds yield simple nicknames (Naru/Nari, Sim, Singhu, Hari‑Nara, etc.).
• Ritual considerations: If you observe a nāmakaraṇa or consult an astrologer for a nakshatra syllable, match the initial sound accordingly.

Final thought: “Lion‑hearted” can be translated literally (names meaning “lion”) or figuratively (names that imply courage or victory). In Hindu traditions those choices are shaped by scripture, regional practice and family memory — all valid paths to a name that carries both meaning and blessing.