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Sanskrit is an ancient language of India and the sacred language of Hinduism. It is thought to be the second oldest language still being used today, so there’s no denying how vital this language was and is to Indian culture. If you’re searching for a special name for your dog that holds a lot of meaning, a Sanskrit name might be perfect.
Whether you study languages or have ties to India’s cultural heritage, our list of the best Sanskrit dog names below should help you choose the ideal name for your new pup.
How to Choose a Sanskrit Name
Get the Pronunciation Right
If you’re not of Indian heritage, you may not know how to say some of the Sanskrit names on our list. We recommend using Google to help you learn how to pronounce the names so you know you’re saying the word as it is meant to be said.
Choose Fewer Syllables
The fewer syllables your dog’s name has, the easier it will be for your pup to learn it. Words with two syllables are ideal since they create a change in pitch frequency that will get your dog’s attention when you say it.
Incorporate Hard Consonants
Words with a hard consonant, like “C” or “K,” help dogs to recognize their name among other sounds in their environment.
Best Male Sanskrit Dog Names & Their Meanings
- Aabha –First ray of light
- Aadir – Origin; beginning
- Aahir – Dazzling
- Aarush – First sun ray
- Ajit – Invincible
- Akash – Sky
- Anish – Supreme
- Apporva – Rare
- Arun – Dawn
- Aryan – Noble
- Avani – Earth
- Babi – Wisdom
- Bilas – Fair complexion
- Divit – Immortal
- Eshan – Ruler
- Gandhik – Lord of the Mountains
- Hansin – Universal soul
- Ivan – Leader; royal
- Kavin – Handsome
- Kiran – Ray of light
- Laksh – Destination
- Mahir – Expert
- Nadin – Lord of rivers
- Neel – Passionate
- Nehal – Handsome
- Onir – Shining
- Parth – Ruler; star
- Parthiv – Royal
- Pranay – Love
- Prem – Love
- Rahi – Traveller
- Rajiv – Lotus flower
- Rohit – Red
- Samar – Reward
- Shaan – Pride; peaceful
- Shwar – Sweet voice
- Simar – God’s favorite
- Sudhir – Intelligent
- Vihaan – Dawn
- Vihan – Dawn
- Vinod – Delight
- Vipul – Large
- Yash – Success
- Yuvan – Strong
- Zian – Self-peace
Best Female Sanskrit Dog Names & Their Meanings
- Aashi – Smile
- Amiya – Delight
- Anika – Graceful
- Aruna – Rising sun
- Charvi – Beautiful
- Chinmayi – Pure knowledge
- Devika – Little goddess
- Dipa – Light
- Disha – Direction
- Doma – Someone of low caste
- Ezhil – Beauty
- Fariha – Happy
- Fatima – To abstain
- Garima – Grace
- Gauri – White
- Hira – Diamond
- Hrutvy – Angel
- Iditri – Complementary
- Ishita – Greatness
- Jamini – Desirable
- Jaya – Victory
- Jiti – To obtain victory
- Jiya – Living
- Jyoti – Light
- Lalita – Playful; charming
- Manju – Pleasant
- Meghna – Lightning
- Mitali – Friendly
- Mitra – Friend
- Padma – Lotus
- Priti – Delight
- Priya – Beloved
- Rajni – Radiant queen
- Ritika – Movement; stream
- Ritisha – Goddess of Truth
- Saira – Traveler
- Sarika – Mynah bird
- Shilpa – Statute
- Shobha – Brilliance
- Sumati – Wise
- Sunita – Righteous
- Valli – Creeping plant
- Varsha – Rain
- Yuvati – Young woman
Sanskrit Dog Names for Yogis
Yoga instructors guide their classes through sequences using Sanskrit and English translations for yoga terms. Though Sanskrit is an ancient Indian language, it is still used in yoga to define poses and practices.
- Adho – Downward
- Ahimsa – Nonviolence
- Ananda – Bliss
- Ardha – Half
- Asana – Seat; posture
- Atman – Indwelling spirit
- Avidya – Ignorance
- Bhakti – Unwavering devotion
- Chakra – Swirling wheel of light and energy
- Citta – Mind
- Dhyana – Meditation
- Drishti – Divine vision
- Dwi – The number two
- Eka – The number one
- Japa – Muttering
- Jnana – Knowledge; deep understanding
- Kosha – Sheath
- Maya – Magic; illusion
- Mudra – Seal; stamp
- Om – The sacred sound of everything
- Prana – Life force
- Raja – Royal; king
- Satya – Truthfulness
- Shakti – Power; feminine energy
- Shanti – Peace
Dog Names Inspired by India
Since Sanskrit is an ancient Indian language, you might consider one of the following India-inspired names for your new pup.
- Amritsar – Home of the Golden Temple
- Ayodhya – A place of pilgrimage for Hindus
- Dwarka – An ancient city in northwestern India
- Haridwar – One of the seven sacred cities of India
- Jhiri – A village that still uses Sanskrit
- Kaveri – A sacred river in Southern India
- Mathura – A sacred city in northern India
- Mattur – A rare village where everyone still speaks Sanskrit
- Puri – A coastal city in eastern India
- Pushkar – A pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs
- Rishikesh – Capital of yoga and meditation
- Shirdi – A town in Western India
- Ujjain – One of the seven sacred cities of India
- Varanasi – The spiritual capital of India
Hindu Dog Names Inspired By Nature
Hinduism is the official language of India, so one of these nature-inspired Hindu words might be perfect for your outdoor-loving puppy.
- Adiya – Sun
- Akash – Sky
- Bhuvan – World
- Brja – Nature
- Dhruv – Star
- Gagan – Sky
- Mehul – Rain
- Mihir – Sun
- Neeraj – Lotus
- Nisarg – Nature
- Pavan – Wind; breeze
- Ravish – Sun
- Sagar – Ocean
- Sarang – Moon
- Tarak – Star
- Tushar – Snow
- Varun – Ocean
- Vihaan – Dawn
Conclusion
We hope our list of Sanskrit-inspired names has given you some ideas for your new special addition. Whichever name you choose, one thing is certain: you and your pup will have many fun years to look forward to together. Nothing kicks off a pet adoption right like choosing a perfect, meaningful name.
Featured Image Credit: DANGURA DIGITAL, Shutterstock