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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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  Unisex | Herb, aroma, seasoning |
| | |  Girl | Norse goddess |
| | |  Boy | A character from the children's book series Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne |
| | | Unisex | Fierce and determined |
| | | Girl | A fictional name |
| | | Unisex | Uncle |
| | | Boy | Ford |
| | | Boy | Fire; Burning |
| | | Unisex | A representation or symbol of something else; A piece of data created by a system to represent unique information; A digital asset |
| | | Unisex | Strong, determined, courageous |
| | | Unisex | Thor's friend |
| | | Unisex | Someone or something that traces |
| | | Unisex | Carrier; Porter |
| | | Unisex | Strong and passionate |
| | | Unisex | Three or third in Spanish |
| | | Unisex | Haul up and fasten with a rope |
| | | Boy | One with an active, agile and fun loving personality |
| | | Boy | Hunger |
| | | Girl | Hunger |
| | | Girl | Satisfied |
| | | Unisex | Honesty and authenticity |
| | | Unisex | Refers to a brush which is used to paint anything |
| | | Boy | Joyful; Cheerful |
| | | Unisex | Powerful; Dominant leader |
| | | Boy | Noble and powerful |
| | | Girl | The one who has risen |
| | | Unisex | Bringer of wealth or jewel |
| | | Girl | A girl with a pretty face |
| | | Girl | Happiness; Joy |
| | | Unisex | A mythical creature typically depicted as a horse with a single, spiraling horn on its forehead |
| | | Girl | Development; Progress |
| | | Unisex | City |
| | | Girl | Waves of passion; A name of Lakshman’s wife |
| | | Boy | The one full of feelings for everyone |
| | | Girl | Our mother earth |
| | | Boy | Lord of the earth |
| | | Girl | Heat |
| | | Girl | One who is beloved |
| | | Girl | A lovely woman |
| | | Girl | Adoration; Bright star; Salutation; Worship |
| | | Unisex | Gift of God |
| | | Unisex | Disappearing; Cease to exist |
| | | Boy | King of the forest; Lion |
| | | Girl | Garden bed |
| | | Boy | Growth; Another name for Lord Mahavir |
| | | Boy | Good and well-behaved boy |
| | | Boy | One who is divine and precious |
| | | Boy | A king |
| | | Boy | Name of the twelfth Tirthankara |
| | | Girl | Calf; Daughter |
| | | Boy | One who is brave; Another name of Lord Mahavir |
| | | Boy | Lord of the courageous men |
| | | Boy | One who is brave and strong |
| | | Unisex | Dweller at the small town or settlement |
| | | Unisex | Velvet |
| | | Unisex | Spruce tree |
| | | Girl | Another name of Goddess Lakshmi; Light; Radiance |
| | | Girl | Name of Goddess Lakshmi; Great personality |
| | | Unisex | Ambitious; Deceitful; Powerful |
| | | Girl | Wisdom; Another name for Goddess Saraswati |
| | | Boy | A learned person |
| | | Boy | One who is happy with his knowledge |
| | | Boy | The ocean of learning |
| | | Boy | Pure |
| | | Boy | The thirteenth Tirthankara of Jainism |
| | | Boy | Modesty; A person who’s humble and modest |
| | | Girl | One who is modest and humble |
| | | Girl | Strong and victorious |
| | | Girl | Moon; The brightness of the moon |
| | | Boy | A man who is very strong |
| | | Girl | The descendent |
| | | Boy | One who is the leader of heroes |
| | | Girl | Strong and powerful |
| | | Boy | Wide; Broad; Spacious |
| | | Girl | Beautiful; Creative; One who has a big heart; Name of an Indian Goddess |
| | | Boy | Special; Someone who’s special |
| | | Unisex | Alive; Lively; Vibrant. |
| | | Boy | The name of Lord Krishna |
| | | Girl | Growth; Increase; Progress |
| | | Girl | Basil; Tulsi; Another name for Goddess Sita |
| | | Girl | Rain |
| | | Girl | The temper or nature of a particular thing or situation |
| | | Unisex | Magical; Mythical place |
| | | Boy | Ruler of the army |
| | | Unisex | Land beside the road |
| | | Unisex | Skilled or talented land |
| | | Unisex | Low speaking or murmuring sound |
| | | Unisex | Crafty; Cunning; Deceitful |
| | | Unisex | A part of an animal or object used for flying; A section or building attached to a main structure |
| | | Unisex | Blessed peacemaking |
| | | Boy | Joyful; Wise; Fair |
| | | Unisex | White; Wise; Cever |
| | | Unisex | Magician; Sorcerer |
| | | Unisex | Mutant name of one of the main protagonists of Marvel's X-Men comics |
| | | Unisex | Small bird; Renowned ruler |
| | | Unisex | Unique; Strong; Mysterious |
| | | Unisex | Untamed; Wild |
| | | Unisex | Variant transcription of Willow; The willow tree |
| | | Unisex | Luxury; Indulgence |
| | | Unisex | Innovative; Intelligent; Bold |
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
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