10 Baby Names for Boys inspired by the Great Archer, Arjuna

Introduction

Arjuna is one of the central figures of the Mahābhārata and the student-turned-disciple in the Bhagavad Gītā. Across traditions he is celebrated as a master archer, a seeker of dharma — ethical duty — and a devoted friend and son. The names below draw on Arjuna’s epithets, his equipment, his family, and qualities associated with him. I note sources (Mahābhārata, Bhagavad Gītā, Puranic lists) where relevant and acknowledge that meanings and usages vary by region and community.

Ten boy names inspired by Arjuna, with meanings and notes

• Arjun (pronunciation: Ahr-joon) — meaning: “bright, shining” / the hero Arjuna.

  Origin: Direct form of Arjuna, the Pandava prince of the Mahābhārata. This is the common modern name used across India. Why it fits: immediate and recognisable; evokes the epic hero’s courage and dharma-struggle. Short forms: Aru, Jun.

• Partha (pronunciation: Pahr-tha) — meaning: “son of Pritha (Kunti).”

  Origin: One of Arjuna’s principal epithets in the Mahābhārata. Partha literally identifies him by lineage (Pritha = Kunti). Why it fits: traditional, slightly more formal than Arjun; widely used in literary references to Arjuna. Short forms: Parth.

• Dhananjaya (pronunciation: Dha-nun-ja-ya) — meaning: “conqueror of wealth” or “one who wins riches/wealth.”

  Origin: An epithet of Arjuna in epic lists. Different commentators read such names as describing prowess in battle or victory in contests. Why it fits: grand, classical; used historically as a royal-style name. Short forms: Dhana, Jaya (note: Jaya means “victory” and appears in many compound names).

• Savyasachi (pronunciation: Suh-vya-sa-chee) — meaning: “ambidextrous” or “skilled with both hands.”

  Origin: Traditional epithet for Arjuna emphasising his rare ability to shoot well with either hand. Why it fits: highlights a technical skill associated uniquely with the great archer. Short forms: Savyas, Sachi. Cultural note: some communities prefer shorter modern forms for daily use.

• Gandiva (pronunciation: Gun-dee-va) — meaning: name of the divine bow Arjuna wielded.

  Origin: In the Mahābhārata Arjuna is given the Gandīva bow by Varuna (or through divine means). Why it fits: bold and evocative; for families who want an object-associated name that points to courage and duty. Practical note: ethnographers note object-names (weapons, banners) are traditional in many heroic contexts.

• Devadatta (pronunciation: Deh-va-dut-ta) — meaning: “given by the gods.”

  Origin: Listed in Mahābhārata tradition as Arjuna’s conch. Why it fits: resonates with the war‑time symbolism of Arjuna’s role; it also works as a classical Sanskrit name. Cultural caution: Devadatta has other historical associations (e.g., Buddhist contexts), so families may want to be aware of multiple resonances.

• Abhimanyu (pronunciation: Ab-hi-mah-nyu) — meaning: “heroic, fearless.”

  Origin: Arjuna’s son, famed for entering and fighting in the Chakravyuha. Why it fits: honours the next generation of Arjuna’s lineage; the name carries poignancy and heroic connotations in South Asian storytelling. Short forms: Abhi, Manu. Note: Abhimanyu has strong cultural and emotional weight because of his youthful heroism in the epic.

• Ekalavya (pronunciation: Eh-ka-la-vya) — meaning: “one who belongs to a single clan” (etymologies vary; often associated with singular devotion).

  Origin: A different archery figure in the Mahābhārata—Ekalavya is famous for his devoted practice and skill, though his tale contrasts with Arjuna’s formal Kshatriya training. Why it fits: evokes the archery tradition, discipline and dedication; families seeking a name that reflects devotion to skill may choose this. Cultural note: Ekalavya’s story is interpreted differently across communities—some see it as heroic devotion, others as a critique of social barriers. Mention of that diversity is respectful and important.

• Tejas (pronunciation: Tay-jus) — meaning: “brilliance, energy, vigour.”

  Origin: Not an epithet from the epic itself but a quality often linked to heroic figures like Arjuna. Why it fits: short, modern-sounding, and captures the inner radiance and courage associated with warrior-heroes in classical literature. Short forms: Tej.

• Vijay (pronunciation: Vi-jay) — meaning: “victory.”

  Origin: A widely used name across India; victory is central to many episodes involving Arjuna. Why it fits: simple, pan-Indian, and neutral across sects; it resonates with victory in dharma as well as in battle. Short forms: Viju, Jay.

Practical tips for choosing one of these names

• Sound and family tradition: Say it aloud with your family surname and nicknames to check flow and ease of pronunciation.
• Meaning and resonance: Consider whether you prefer a name tied directly to Arjuna (Arjun, Partha) or one that evokes qualities (Tejas, Vijay) or artefacts (Gandiva, Devadatta).
• Cultural context: Some names carry specific stories with ethical or social readings (for example, Ekalavya’s story is interpreted differently across communities). Be mindful of those connotations if cultural nuance matters to you.
• Auspicious practices: If you plan a naming ceremony with religious rites or astrological consultation, follow community customs and a trusted pandit/astrologer. Wherever practices involve health-affecting fasting or austerities, consult a medical professional.

Closing note

These suggestions are offered with respect to the many traditions that read the Mahābhārata and the Bhagavad Gītā in different ways. Names born from epic characters and motifs can carry familial pride, moral aspiration, or simply poetic sound—choose what feels right for your child and your household, and consider how the name will travel across generations and communities.