Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Jain baby names are elegant yet uncommon, although they are embodied in the philosophy of Jainism. Read on to know why these names can be your best pick. Parents want the best for their children, starting with a perfect name. A name is a lot more than an identity tag. It also gives cues to their region, religion, social background, and country. This is the main reason Indian parents take their culture and language into consideration while naming their children. In India, different sects and religions have specific naming conventions and traditions, which also holds in the case of Jains. But one thing is common in almost all the communities — the Namkaran ceremony. In Jainism, there are sixteen samskaras or ceremonies that every householder must partake in to be considered a true Jain. One of these is the naming ritual. Traditionally, the Namkaran is performed a few days or even weeks after the baby's birth. But strictly speaking, the Jain naming ceremony is held on the twelfth day after the child’s birth (1). Just like all major Indian religions, even Jains use traditional methods, such as astrology, while picking the name for their children. They even refer to Jain Ramayana for choosing a name for their bundle of joy. Jain baby names hold spiritual importance and often have profound and positive meanings. These names are inspired by the holy scriptures, historical figures, mythology, and Jain philosophy. They evoke the essence of virtues like truth, compassion, and non-violence. For instance, Bramhila is a common Jain female name, a title for the goddess Saraswati who represents wisdom, knowledge, and music. Similarly, Samkit, a Jain male name, stands for self-realization and satisfaction. If you want to know more about some of the most popular Jain baby names, take a look at our list below. You will likely find a gem or more for your child.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Nula |  |  Unisex | White shoulders |
| Nyiah | | Unisex | God is gracious |
| Nyrie | | Unisex | From the walnut tree |
| Nyza | | Unisex | Powerful and confident |
| Nzuri | | Unisex | Beautiful; Unique; African |
| Obe | | Unisex | Heart; King |
| Oberyn | |  Boy | Warrior; Passionate |
| Odesza | | Unisex | Variant of Odessza |
| Oen | | Unisex | Unique; Modern; Creative |
| Oga | | Unisex | Boss; Leader |
| Oj | | Unisex | Light |
| Okoye | |  Girl | Born on Oye market day; One who is born on a special market day |
| Olenna | | Girl | Light; Bright |
| Oner | | Unisex | Brave; Heroic |
| Onica | | Unisex | Victorious one; Gracious |
| Onix | | Unisex | Strong; Powerful; Rock |
| Ony | | Unisex | He who is praised; Gracious |
| Orian | | Unisex | Brightness; Hunter |
| Osiria | | Girl | Mystical, powerful, divine |
| Ovidia | | Girl | Sheep herder; Helper |
| Padmakumar | | Boy | A derivation of Padmaprabhu |
| Padmanath | | Boy | A derivation of Padmaprabhu |
| Padmaprabhu | | Boy | The sixth Tirthankara of Jainism |
| Parshvanath | | Boy | Name of the twenty-third Tirthankara of Jainism; Beloved of men |
| Parshwa | | Boy | Short form of Parshvanath; Beloved of men |
| Parshwakumar | | Boy | A variation of Parshvanath; Beloved of men |
| Patek | | Unisex | Stick; Twig |
| Pava | | Girl | From Pawapuri, the place where Lord Mahavir attained nirvana |
| Pawapuri | | Girl | Place name where Lord Mahavir attained Nirvana |
| Pie | | Unisex | Pious; Dutiful |
| Pote | | Unisex | Pot; Jar |
| Pratishta | | Girl | One who is has a distinguished and well-established status |
| Preksha | | Girl | Insightful, perceptive, mindfulness |
| Pride | | Unisex | Arrogance; Self-importance |
| Purti | | Girl | Complete; Purification |
| Quante | | Unisex | Limitless; Astute; Visionary |
| Quasi | | Unisex | Almost; Partially; Resembling; Seeming like |
| Quavious | | Boy | Unique; Charismatic; Unpredictable |
| Quest | | Unisex | Search; Journey; Adventure; Mission; Pursuit |
| Quinlin | | Unisex | Very strong |
| Quita | | Unisex | Ruler of the house |
| Radan | | Unisex | Happy; Willing |
| Rade | | Unisex | Happy; Willing |
| Raffa | | Unisex | Healed; God has healed |
| Raider | | Unisex | One who raids or attacks, typically in search of valuables |
| Raimy | | Unisex | Caring; Protecting |
| Raistlin | | Unisex | Mysterious and powerful |
| Rajmati | | Girl | Name of Lord Neminath’s fiancée |
| Random | | Unisex | Unpredictable and spontaneous |
| Ranko | | Unisex | Early awakening; Morning joy |
| Ranny | | Unisex | Powerful; Queen |
| Rashesh | | Boy | Another name of Lord Krishna |
| Rasta | | Unisex | Saved; Rescued |
| Ratesh | | Boy | The lord of truth |
| Ravae | | Unisex | To dream |
| Rayel | | Unisex | Female sheep; Ewe |
| Raysha | | Unisex | Beautiful angel of God |
| Rell | | Unisex | Strong, charismatic, determined |
| Renella | | Unisex | Rebirth |
| Revy | | Unisex | Shadowy, rebellious, fierce |
| Rez | | Boy | Strong, powerful, resilient |
| Rhae | | Unisex | Elegant; Mysterious; Unique |
| Rhenn | | Unisex | Strong; Fearless; Unique |
| Riane | | Unisex | Queen |
| Riddhesh | | Boy | God of Riddhi; Another name of Lord Ganesha |
| Riddle | | Unisex | A verbal puzzle or game |
| Rien | | Girl | Strong or powerful |
| Rietta | | Girl | Little sweet one; Pearl |
| Riri | | Unisex | Beautiful; Jasmine |
| Rishabhdev | | Boy | Morality; A variant of Rishabhnath |
| Rishabhkumar | | Boy | Morality; A variant of Rishabhnath |
| Rishabhnath | | Boy | Morality; Superior; Name of the First Jain Tirthankara |
| Rishabhraj | | Boy | Morality; A derivative of the name Rishabhnath |
| Ritvi | | Girl | Lady Indian priest; Right guidance; Scholar; The one who has completed Vedas. |
| Roki | | Unisex | Rest; Peace |
| Rom | | Unisex | Strong; Powerful |
| Romelle | | Unisex | Romantic, charming, imaginative |
| Rooke | | Unisex | Worker, Strong; Determined |
| Rownan | | Unisex | Little redhead; Descendant of the little red one |
| Rushita | | Girl | A bright and intelligent girl |
| Ruxin | | Unisex | Kind-hearted; Compassionate |
| Rylann | | Unisex | Strong and independent |
| Rylynn | | Unisex | Rye clearing; Courageous power |
| Rynn | | Unisex | Run |
| Ryse | | Unisex | Rising; Strength; Power |
| Sabre | | Unisex | A heavy cavalry sword with a curved blade |
| Sacora | | Unisex | Spiritually wise |
| Sador | | Unisex | Faithful one; Helper |
| Safe | | Unisex | Protected, secure |
| Saith | | Unisex | Bearer of wisdom |
| Sakshat | | Boy | The one with a real appearance |
| Salia | | Unisex | Graceful, noble, strong |
| Salish | | Unisex | Worship |
| Salix | | Boy | Willow or graceful tree |
| Samana | | Unisex | Peaceful soul |
| Samani | | Unisex | The calming one; Night |
| Samantbhadra | | Boy | Name of a famous Jain Acharya from ancient India; To feel complete; Whole |
| Sambhavnath | | Boy | Name of the 3rd Tirthankara; Born; Manifested |
| Samkit | | Boy | Right Knowledge; Satisfied; Self-realization |
| Sammed | | Boy | The place where the 20 Tirthankaras attained nirvana |
Jain baby names are deeply rooted in the Jain religion and culture. These names are often derived from ancestral figures and holy texts. Although these names are primarily traditional, they have significant meanings and origins, appealing to a vast crowd. These names usually stand for tranquility, compassion, and spirituality. If you are looking for a name that is out of the ordinary yet holds a profound history and honors your roots, Jain names are the one for you.
Infographic: Lively Jainism Baby Names With Meanings
Jainism baby names are elegant and are a reflection of the core values and faith. These names are often inspired by the holy scriptures and historical figures. Jainism baby names reflect virtues like humility, simplicity, and spirituality. Check out this infographic for some radiant Jainism baby names for your little angel.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can parents balance traditional Jainism naming customs with modern naming trends?
Parents can balance traditional Jainism naming customs with modern naming trends by considering names that fulfill a meaningful connection to Jain principles while simultaneously giving importance to contemporary preferences. Some examples include Deshna (gift), Charmi (lovely), and Bhranti (daydream).
2. What are some Jain baby names with a deeply spiritual or philosophical meaning?
Some Jainism baby names with spiritual or philosophical meanings include Aaushi, meaning ‘one who is careful, knowledgeable and is blessed with a long life,’ Darshika and Dhimant, meaning ‘one who is intelligent and wise,’ and Samkit, meaning ‘one who possesses the right knowledge’ or ‘one possessing self-realization.’
3. What are some factors parents should consider when choosing a Jain baby name?
Some factors that parents should consider when choosing a Jain baby name include the religious significance of the name. This may be related to Jain mythology, scriptures, saints or Tirthankaras who were the enlightened people. The chosen name should also follow the Jain philosophy and principles, such as non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (acharya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha). The parents may also take into account more personal factors, such as family traditions and ancestry. The naming ceremony is conducted between the 10th and 13th day after birth and this ceremony is performed by the paternal aunt or an appropriate female relative of the child.
References
- K. L. Chanchreek & Dr. Mahesh K. Jain; (2005); Encyclopedia of Jain Religion Volume 3.
https://www.jainfoundation.in/JAINLIBRARY/books/encyclopedia_of_jain_religion_part_03_035341_hr.pdf
