Shiva
Shiva (शिवा) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl-name meaning “Auspicious one; the benevolent and gracious goddess”. Find pronunciation, origin, deity association, popularity and similar Hindu baby names.
Shiva (शिवा) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl-name meaning “Auspicious one; the benevolent and gracious goddess”. Find pronunciation, origin, deity association, popularity and similar Hindu baby names.
Shiva (शिवा, IAST: Śivā) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl-name meaning “Auspicious one; the benevolent and gracious goddess”. Śivā is the feminine form of śiva, from the root śī (to lie, to rest) or interpreted as śam (welfare, bliss), marking Lakshmi as the supreme embodiment of auspiciousness.
Meaning, etymology & significance
The name Śivā shares its root with Śiva, the auspicious one, and as a feminine form it designates Lakshmi as the goddess of all that is auspicious, benevolent, and propitious in the universe. This epithet underscores the non-duality between the energies of Vishnu and Shiva, as Lakshmi herself is recognized as śivā, the source of cosmic well-being. In the Lakshmi Sahasranama and ashtottara traditions, this name affirms that blessings of all kinds flow from her.
While Shiva is widely known as a name for the Lord Mahadeva, Śivā as a feminine form is also a recognized epithet of Lakshmi and Parvati, used by devotional poets. The name is pronounced shi-vaa, with a soft palatal sh and a long final vowel.
Scriptural source
Shiva appears in the Lakshmi Ashtottaram, among the sacred names of Lakshmi.
Shiva — Name Facts
- Meaning
- Auspicious one; the benevolent and gracious goddess
- Gender
- Hindu girl name
- Nakshatra
- Hasta
- Rashi
- Kanya (Virgo)
- Numerology
- 7
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Shiva mean?
Shiva is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu girl name meaning “Auspicious one; the benevolent and gracious goddess”.
Is Shiva a boy or girl name?
Shiva is traditionally a Hindu girl name.
Which nakshatra and rashi suit the name Shiva?
By the first-syllable rule of Vedic naming, Shiva aligns with the Hasta nakshatra, under the Kanya (Virgo) rashi.
What is the numerology number of Shiva?
The Chaldean name number of Shiva is 7.
Explore more: Hasta nakshatra names · Kanya rashi names · Hindu girl names with S · All Hindu names A–Z