69 South Indian Boy Names That Are Stories In Themselves

South Indian baby boy names are like a fresh breath of air. These names are unique since they come from a land of diverse cultures, traditions, languages, and ancestors. These names originate from a very vibrant part of the country, India. South Indian names are a beautiful blend of cultural nuances and linguistic beauty. They are often inspired by elements of nature, mythological figures, deities, folklore, literature, and art.

Just like every other region in India has its own naming conventions and traditions, South Indian people also follow some particular traditions when naming a baby. According to naming traditions in the South, a child’s name would consist of four elements. The first is a place of origin, the second is the child's father's name, the third is the given name of the child, and the fourth denotes the name of the caste. Another tradition regarding the names is the addition of birthplace in the given name to indicate the link between the two (2).

Another interesting concept in the naming of South Indian names is the double-barrel names. Here two separate names are combined into one name. Both these names usually have a very melodious tone and lovely meanings. For example, Krishna-dwaipayana, meaning ‘A dark wise’ or ‘Sage Vyasa. Adithan, which stands for ‘the leader who belongs to the sun,’ reflects brightness and energy and signifies the connection with nature. The name Nallasivan, which means ‘the graceful Lord Shiva,’ symbolizes the connection of names with God.

While most South Indian names are traditional, some of these names have evolved into modern sensibilities and made parents choose names that represent their ancestors while also having a contemporary touch. If you love how beautifully these names blend in today’s times, then go ahead and explore this list of baby names made just for you.

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NameGenderMeaning
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Nikith
Baby Boy Sign Boy The best mankind who possesses ultimate good qualities and attitudes
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Annamalai
Baby Boy Sign Boy One of many names of Lord Shiva
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Abhinavan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Young; Fresh or modern
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Abhinayan
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is an actor; One who acts
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Abhiseka
Baby Boy Sign Boy The method of purifying and cleaning
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Adalarachan
Baby Boy Sign Boy The monarch or king of dance
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Adalarasen
Baby Boy Sign Boy The master of dance or king of dance
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Adaleru
Baby Boy Sign Boy A brave man; One who has never been destroyed
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Adhibhan
Baby Boy Sign Boy A leader or one who is born to win
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Adhibu
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is superior to all
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Adhiyamaan
Baby Boy Sign Boy The King of the sun; A Solar king
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Adithan
Baby Boy Sign Boy The leader who belongs to the Sun
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Jeyasilan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Victorious warrior; Lord Shiva
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Kaalappan
Baby Boy Sign Boy The father of time or the Lord of time
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Koyilkani
Baby Boy Sign Boy Beautiful voice like koyal, gift from God
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Krishna-dwaipayana
Baby Boy Sign Boy A dark wise or sage Vyasa
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Kuppuram
Baby Boy Sign Boy The princely state, or the highest king
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Meyappan
Baby Boy Sign Boy An honest and true person
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Mohith
Baby Boy Sign Boy Infatuated; Fascinated; Charmed; Attracted
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Mooppan
Baby Boy Sign Boy A prime person, a head of community
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Moovendan
Baby Boy Sign Boy A ruler of the rulers; One who rules the other kings
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Nalladurai
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lover of mankind; Honest person
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Nallaiyan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Honest person; Having good disposition
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Nallalagan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Handsome and smart man
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Nallamuthu
Baby Boy Sign Boy Gracious pearl
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Nallanban
Baby Boy Sign Boy Pleasant forest
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Nallannan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Gracious brother
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Nallaperumal
Baby Boy Sign Boy Gracious Lord Venkateshwara
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Nallappa
Baby Boy Sign Boy Graceful father or parents
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Nallappan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Graceful father
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Nallarasan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tasty juice
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Nallasivan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lord Shiva
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Nallathambi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Gracious young brother
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Nallavan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Generous person
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Nallenan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Person with good deeds
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Nallisami
Baby Boy Sign Boy Possessor of good health
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Nallusami
Baby Boy Sign Boy Always free from illness
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Namberuman
Baby Boy Sign Boy Colored person; Lord Shiva
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Nambi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Self-confident; Curative herb
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Nambiyandan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Well-known person
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Nambu
Baby Boy Sign Boy God; Creator of mankind
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Nambudiri
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who has mastered the Vedas
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Namirthan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Wealth of popularity; Lord Shiva
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Nammurthi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Respected by name
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Nandil
Baby Boy Sign Boy One with the power of a bull
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Nandin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Delightful person
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Nandishwara
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lord of all bulls
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Nanjaiah
Baby Boy Sign Boy Mercy of God
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Nanjaiya
Baby Boy Sign Boy Merciful God; Lord Shiva
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Nanjappa
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is merciful; Lord Shiva
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Nanjappan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lord Shiva; The merciful
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Nanjayyan
Baby Boy Sign Boy The great Lord Shiva, who mercy others
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Nanjeyan
Baby Boy Sign Boy The greatest lord; Lord Shiva
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Nanjundan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Divine God Shiva
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Nanjundeswar
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lord Shiva; One who consumes poisonous liquid to safeguard the world
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Nanjundewsar
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lord Shiva; One who consumes poisonous liquid to safeguard the world
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Nanmaaran
Baby Boy Sign Boy Compassionate and fearless
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Nanmoliyan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Flamboyant
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Nanmugan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Precious individual
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Nanmuthu
Baby Boy Sign Boy Precious gemstone
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Nannan
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bold and daring
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Nathasami
Baby Boy Sign Boy Supreme Lord
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Nayar
Baby Boy Sign Boy Who belongs to the Malabar coast
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Nayath
Baby Boy Sign Boy A leading person; A leader
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Neelmegam
Baby Boy Sign Boy The colored skin of Lord Krishna
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Nerrivaanan
Baby Boy Sign Boy The one who is straightforward and open hearted
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Nithilesh
Baby Boy Sign Boy The God of pearls
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Nivedhana
Baby Boy Sign Boy A humble request
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Padmanaban
Baby Boy Sign Boy The lotus-naveled; An epithet of Lord Vishnu

South Indian baby boy names are a wonderful fusion of cultural heritage, practices, and languages. These names represent the region and have a charm of their own. Although they are referred to as South Indian names, their usage is not restricted to only that region. People from all over the world would love to use these names for their little angels. If you are someone who is proud and amused by South Indian culture, then incorporating these names would be a great way to honor the culture.

Infographic: Refreshing South Indian Names For Baby Boys

South Indian baby names are unique and offer an alluring story to tell. These names are often inspired by nature, mythologies, culture, and historical figures. Each name has deep-rooted meanings. If you are searching for names that sound melodious and have interesting meanings, check out this infographic and choose your favorite one for your son.

colorful south zindian names for your charming son (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some traditional or cultural considerations when choosing a South Indian baby boy name?

When selecting a name for your baby boy from South India, it is customary to include the village of origin, the father's name, the chosen given name, and the caste name. Many parents may seek to pay homage to paternal grandfathers or esteemed ancestors, upholding the cherished family heritage. Moreover, names embodying positive attributes, virtues, or desired qualities for their child are often favored. For instance, the widely embraced name Arya exemplifies 'noble,' while Prakash radiates with the profound significance of 'light.'

2. What are some historical or mythological South Indian baby boy names?

Selecting names for baby boys in South Indian culture becomes an enchanting journey intertwined with mythological grandeur. Eeraj, evoking imagery of the 'son of wind-god,' Karthikeyan, embodying the essence of 'to cut,' and Manikandan, resplendent as 'one with a bell around his neck,' stand as profound symbols of this rich heritage. Karthikeyan, a divine appellation synonymous with the deity Skanda, and Manikandan, an epithet adorning the revered Hindu God Ayyappan (1), further illuminate the depths of Hindu mythology.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. About Lord Ayyappa.
    https://sabarimala.kerala.gov.in/about-lordayyappa
  2. Understanding Indian names in naming conventions discovery and standardization.
    https://www.las.org.sg/wp/blog/bulletin/understanding-indian-names-in-naming-conventions-discovery-and-standardisation/
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