204 Traditional Tamil Baby Names For Parents To Consider

Tamil baby names reflect the rich history of the language and the culture. A Dravidian language, Tamil is one of the oldest in the world with ancient texts that date back to over 2000 years. According to Hindu legend, Tamil was the language of the gods, created by Lord Shiva and often personified as Tamil Thai, which means ‘Mother Tamil.’ It is primarily spoken in Tamil Nadu, certain parts of South East Asia, and Sri Lanka.

Tamil names often have symbolic meanings and draw inspiration from history, nature, gods, and even virtues. Moreover, ancient Tamil literature and mythology, too, play a major role in influencing these names. Some names have been taken from Sanskrit, another ancient Indian language, and adapted to suit Tamil sensibilities. Names such as Dhanush, Revathi, Vijay, and Aasin have made their mark for their insightful meanings. A few names like Kovalan, Govindan, Kundavi, and Yazhini are taken from Tamil mythology and literature. Another unique feature of Tamil baby names is that they are often inspired by Lord Murugan, who is worshiped exclusively by Tamilians. Names such as Velan and Devayani fall under this category.

As the Tamil diaspora spreads across the world, so does the popularity of these names. Non-Tamil speakers, too, are often influenced by the meaning and cadence of these beautiful names. Newer names have also started emerging to fit into new trends, thus showcasing the ageless quality of this ancient language. Full of depth and significance, Tamil baby names have managed to create their niche in the global arena amongst other newer and trendier ones. Each name manages to capture a slice of Tamil culture and carries forward the legacy of a great history.

Name		Gender	Meaning
Nilan		Boy	Smart; Good-looking as the Moon
Anai		Unisex	Brother
Kanen		Boy	Guide; A friend
Nalaya		Unisex	Gift; Beloved
Aadhiran		Boy	Leader; One who is courageous
Iniyan		Girl	Gifted, talented, virtuous
Aadhi		Boy	Beginning; Friendly; Imagination; Creativity; Expression; Energetic
Venba		Unisex	Melody; Poetry; Artistic
Vijay		Unisex	Victorious or triumphant
Seyon		Unisex	God is gracious
Akilan		Boy	Fearless, intelligent, beautiful
Vaela		Unisex	Wail; Lament
Vannia		Unisex	Gift of God
Praveen		Boy	A person who is an expert in something
Sifa		Unisex	Praise or gratitude
Magizhan		Unisex	Charismatic; Charming
Magizhini		Unisex	Joyful, cheerful, or happy
Navilan		Unisex	Unsure
Aavi		Boy	Smoke
Yazhini		Girl	Melodious; Musical
Aavin		Unisex	Nature-loving; Adventurous
Dhanush		Boy	Archer or Bowman
Inba		Unisex	Joyful, kind-hearted, compassionate
Kethan		Boy	Pure gold
Kovan		Unisex	Heartfelt passion
Magilan		Boy	Strength, determination, and intelligence
Oviya		Girl	Beloved; Diamond
Sayon		Unisex	Reliable; Trustworthy
Aashirya		Girl	Creative and strong personality from the land of God
Theeran		Unisex	Brave; Valiant
Rilan		Unisex	Strong; Courageous; Leader
Vignesh		Boy	God of knowledge and wisdom
Pranaya		Girl	One who is born to be a leader
Vetri		Unisex	Success or victory
Vidharth		Boy	Protector
Kayal		Unisex	Ocean; Fish
Aruvi		Unisex	Gentle, flowing river
Mariyan		Unisex	Beloved or adored
Kalai		Girl	Chirping of Birds
Jerlin		Unisex	Unique; Strong; Confident
Dhivya		Unisex	Divine, divine nature or beauty
Mekala		Girl	Very good at drawing
Sahani		Girl	A woman who is a bride
Season		Unisex	Time, changes, cycles
Kyela		Unisex	To ascend; To rise
Yaalini		Girl	Graceful and elegant
Rianshi		Unisex	Happiness
Jaisha		Girl	Energetic and determined
Aadalarasan		Boy	Attraction; One who attracts with his dance; One of the many Lord Shiva's names in Tamil
Aadalarasu		Boy	The king of dance in Tamil; Lord Shiva's name as Nataraja who is considered the Lord of Dance
Aadhikesavan		Boy	One who is Ideal for Others
Aadhimulam		Boy	One who is the beginning of everything; The source cause of everything
Aadhirai		Girl	A Special Star
Aadhiseshan		Boy	Anyone; It is also considered as one of many names of Lord Vishnu
Aadhishankar		Boy	Sri Shankaracharya; Founder of Adwaitha philosophy; A name formed after Lord Shiva as Shankar
Aadarshini		Girl	One who adheres to idealism; Idealistic
Aadimoolan		Boy	Dominant; Supreme
Aadishri		Girl	First; More important; Eminent
Aaghosh		Boy	To embrace; Lapped
Aagraha		Girl	to request or please with respect
Aahlad		Boy	one who is happy, cheerful, and full of joy
Aalavandan		Boy	The writing; Something Majestic
Aamrapali		Girl	A mango tree leaf
Aandi		Boy	Other name of Lord Murugan
Aarajesh		Boy	The One who is the God of kings
Aarani		Girl	Another name of Goddess Laxmi
Aaruni		Girl	To begin or develop anything and grow light in the morning; Dawn
Aashalata		Girl	The one who is the creator of hope or is very optimistic
Aasharya		Boy	the Son of the Sun
Aasin		Girl	Driver; Calling himself, A wheel-maker, Lucky in life
Aatamgosh		Boy	The inner light or soul
Aatbodh		Boy	another name of lord Brahma
Aatmabandu		Boy	One who is a friend of his own
Aatmavash		Boy	One who is self-controlled
Aatmagupta		Boy	One who is self-protected
Aavani		Girl	The first month of the Tamil calendar
Abeeth		Boy	A person who has practical and trustworthy personality
Ahicham		Girl	The one who trusts in God
Ajinth		Boy	A Tamil name for boys
Arivaali		Boy	Clever and intelligent; a person who is excellent
Arivanan		Boy	Most intelligent person; one who uses wit
Arivarasan		Boy	King of intelligence
Eelavarasan		Boy	King of Eelam
Ehimaya		Girl	One who is an all pervading intelligent
Erisudar		Boy	Intelligent
Esaiko		Boy	A king of music
Ezhil		Girl	A very beautiful woman
Ezhillovian		Boy	An artist who is the most pretty
Gengaruban		Boy	One of the names of Lord Shiva
GovIndian		Boy	God Venkateswaran
Granthana		Girl	One with good communication skills
Greeshkandaraja		Boy	The leader of men who protects or owns domestic animals
Jaishankar		Boy	Lord Shiva's great victory
Kajan		Boy	Elephant
Kalaidasan		Boy	Patrons of arts
Kalaimaran		Boy	Skilled in the arts
Kalaivanan		Boy	Gem of arts
Kalaivarman		Boy	Artistic person
Kalanjiyam		Boy	Prosperity
Kallaicone		Boy	King of arts