आनन्द

Ananda

boyPali and SanskritBuddhistHindu

Ananda is a Buddhist boy name of Pali and Sanskrit origin, meaning “Joy, bliss”.

MeaningJoy, bliss
GenderBoy
OriginPali and Sanskrit
Written asआनन्द
PronunciationAA-nun-duh
TraditionBuddhist, Hindu
Used inSri Lanka, India, Thailand, Myanmar

Meaning and origin of Ananda

Ananda is the full Sanskrit and Pali form of the word for bliss or joy. Its most famous bearer is Ananda, the cousin and personal attendant of the Buddha, remembered for his exceptional memory; Buddhist tradition holds that he recited the Buddha's discourses at the First Council. The word also appears in many Hindu religious titles and names, such as Vivekananda and Yogananda, where -ananda means 'whose bliss is' a particular quality.

Is Ananda a Buddhist name?

For Buddhists, Ananda is one of the best-loved disciples, known for compassion and for urging the Buddha to admit women into the monastic order. In Hinduism, ananda names the bliss of the divine.

How popular is Ananda?

Used in Sri Lanka and other Buddhist countries, and as a spiritual name in India and the West.

Gifts with the name Ananda

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Spellings and variants of Ananda

AnandAnanAnando

Names similar to Ananda

More Buddhist boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Ananda mean?

Ananda means 'Joy, bliss'. It is of Pali and Sanskrit origin.

Is Ananda a Buddhist name?

For Buddhists, Ananda is one of the best-loved disciples, known for compassion and for urging the Buddha to admit women into the monastic order. In Hinduism, ananda names the bliss of the divine.

How do you pronounce Ananda?

Ananda is pronounced AA-nun-duh.

Is Ananda a boy or girl name?

Ananda is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.