The trend of naming children after gods and goddesses, drawing inspiration from Hindu mythology and Sanskrit, has found a strong foothold among Indian film stars. This move reflects a deeper connection to cultural roots and a desire to bestow meaningful and powerful identities upon their offspring.
One prominent example is the naming of Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja's son, Vayu. In Hindu tradition, Vayu is the god of wind, symbolizing the vital life force. The name embodies strength, movement, and energy. Similarly, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli named their daughter Vamika, a name for Goddess Durga, signifying feminine power. They chose Akaay for their son, derived from the Sanskrit word 'Aikya,' meaning "unity" or "oneness". This name represents a supreme, limitless power.
Athiya Shetty and K.L. Rahul recently named their daughter "Ivara," a name of Sanskrit origin found in the Vedas and Puranas, which translates to "God's gift". Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover chose Devi for their daughter, a Sanskrit word meaning "goddess". Karan Johar named his son Yash, meaning fame and glory, after his late father Yash Johar. Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal named their son Vihaan, a Sanskrit word associated with dawn and new beginnings. Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal named their daughter Aadiya, which is also a name of Lord Shiva.
Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor's daughter, Raha, is another example of a name with rich cultural significance. Raha, chosen by her grandmother Neetu Kapoor, has different meanings across various cultures. In Swahili, it means "joy," while in Sanskrit, it signifies "clan" or "lineage". It also means comfort and relief in Bangla and peace in Arabic.
Even names that appear modern often have deep roots. Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra named their daughter Saraayah, derived from the Hebrew words Sarah and Saraya, which means 'God's princess'.
This trend extends beyond Bollywood, with celebrities in Tollywood and Kollywood also embracing tradition when naming their children. These names often reflect contemporary themes while staying grounded in cultural heritage. The popularity of celebrity baby names often influences the wider population, with many Indians drawing inspiration from these choices.
The meanings behind these names reflect a desire to imbue children with positive attributes and connect them to a rich cultural heritage. From Parvati to Vayu, these names chosen by Indian film stars highlight a growing appreciation for tradition and spirituality in modern society.
