Reva
Reva (रेवा) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl-name meaning “The river Narmada”. Find pronunciation, origin, deity association, popularity and similar Hindu baby names.
Reva (रेवा) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl-name meaning “The river Narmada”. Find pronunciation, origin, deity association, popularity and similar Hindu baby names.
Reva (रेवा, IAST: revā) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl-name meaning “The river Narmada”. Another name for the sacred Narmada — said to be born of Lord Shiva’s sweat as he meditated on Mount Mekala.
Meaning, etymology & significance
Reva (रेवा) is one of the oldest names of the sacred Narmada — the great river that flows westward across central India from the Amarkantak hills in Madhya Pradesh to the Arabian Sea at Bharuch. The Skanda Purana tells that the Narmada was born from a single drop of Shiva’s perspiration as he meditated on Mount Mekala — and that her every pebble is itself a Shiva-linga.
The Narmada Parikrama — the sacred 2,600-kilometre circumambulation of the entire river on foot — is one of the most demanding pilgrimages in Hinduism. Pilgrims walk for three years and three months, never crossing the river, until they have honoured every bend.
For a baby girl named Reva, the inheritance is the Narmada herself — flowing, sacred, ancient, and Shaiva in her devotion. The name is short, beautiful and deeply rooted.
Pronunciation: RE-va. The kindred Revati (the 27th nakshatra) shares the same root.
Astrology — nakshatra & rashi
By the standard Vedic correspondence between the first syllable of a name and the lunar mansion (nakshatra), Reva aligns with the Swati nakshatra, under the Tula rashi (Moon sign).
Similar names
Hindu names with a similar feel or meaning include: Revati, Narmada, Reeva. Each is a distinct choice with its own etymology — explore them on their own pages for fuller context.
The meaning and Sanskrit roots of Reva
Reva (रेवा, IAST: revā) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl-name meaning "the river Narmada; swift, leaping one." Reva is the ancient sacred name of the Narmada, one of India's holiest rivers. The word carries a sense of lively, dancing motion — the swift, leaping flow of the river as it courses through central India.
The Narmada is revered as a goddess in her own right, and legend holds that she was born of Lord Shiva's meditation upon Mount Mekala. As Reva, she is celebrated for her purity and beauty. The name thus evokes flowing grace, spiritual sanctity and joyful, vibrant movement.
Reva in Hindu culture and tradition
The Narmada is one of the seven sacred rivers of India, so holy that pilgrims undertake the Narmada Parikrama, a circumambulation of its entire length. A mere glimpse of the Narmada is said to purify, and its smooth banaling-stones (bana-lingas) are worshipped as forms of Shiva. To carry her ancient name Reva is to carry that sanctity.
As a goddess-river, Reva symbolises the life-giving, purifying and nurturing power of sacred waters. Naming a daughter Reva blesses her with these associations of holiness, abundance and graceful, flowing strength that endures like a great river through the land.
The spirit of the name Reva
Reva has a spirit of graceful vitality and serene strength. Like a flowing river it suggests movement, purity and quiet power — a personality that is lively yet calm, nurturing yet unstoppable, ever moving forward with easy grace.
- Sacred, flowing and full of grace
- The ancient name of the river Narmada
- Linked to Shiva and river-goddess worship
- Short, modern-sounding yet deeply classical
Names similar to Reva
Families who love Reva's river theme may also consider Narmada, Ganga, Yamuna, Kaveri and Saraswati, other sacred river-goddesses. Those drawn to its short, graceful sound might like Riya, Neha, Sara and Isha, while lovers of its classical roots may enjoy Revati, its starry celestial cousin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Reva mean?
Reva ( रेवा , IAST: revā ) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl-name meaning “The river Narmada” . Another name for the sacred Narmada — said to be born of Lord Shiva’s sweat as he meditated on Mount Mekala.
Is Reva a good Hindu baby name?
Yes — it is a traditional Hindu name with an auspicious meaning, suitable for a baby and rooted in Sanatana Dharma values.
What is the origin of the name Reva?
It has Sanskrit/Hindu origins; its roots, deity association and significance are detailed above.
Are there variations or similar names to Reva?
Related and similarly-themed Hindu names, along with their meanings, are listed in the guide above to help you choose.
Reva — Name Facts
- Meaning
- The river Narmada
- Gender
- Hindu girl name
- Nakshatra
- Swati
- Rashi
- Tula (Libra)
- Numerology
- 5
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Reva mean?
Reva is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl name meaning “The river Narmada”.
Is Reva a boy or girl name?
Reva is traditionally a Hindu girl name.
Which nakshatra and rashi suit the name Reva?
By the first-syllable rule of Vedic naming, Reva aligns with the Swati nakshatra, under the Tula (Libra) rashi.
What is the numerology number of Reva?
The Chaldean name number of Reva is 5.
Explore more: Swati nakshatra names · Tula rashi names · Hindu girl names with R · All Hindu names A–Z
Deepen the naming journey
Choosing a name is one step. Continue with:
- Find your child’s nakshatra from today’s panchangam — verify the Swati assignment against your birth chart.
- Hindu gods & goddesses — the pantheon behind Hindu names — Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, and the deities most Hindu names honour.
- Slokas & mantras for the family altar — chant ashtottaras and daily prayers as your child grows.
- The Namakaranam ceremony — 11th-day naming ritual — samskara vidhi, prasadam, and family customs.
- Auspicious Hindu festivals & naming muhurats — best tithis in 2026 for a namakarana ceremony.
- Temple for the first darshan — take the newborn to the family deity temple within 40 days.
- Hinduism guide for young parents — samskaras, dharma, and raising children in the tradition.
