अनिल

Anil

boySanskritHindu

Anil is a Hindu boy name of Sanskrit origin, meaning “Wind, air”.

MeaningWind, air
GenderBoy
OriginSanskrit
Written asअनिल
Pronunciationuh-NIL
TraditionHindu
Used inIndia, Nepal, Sri Lanka

Meaning and origin of Anil

Anil comes from the Sanskrit anila, wind or air. In Hindu tradition the wind is personified as Vayu, also called Anila, who is the father of Hanuman and of Bhima. The name was extremely popular in India in the mid-twentieth century and is borne by many well-known people, including the actor Anil Kapoor and the cricketer Anil Kumble. It is short, easy to say, and used in all regions of India.

Is Anil a Hindu name?

Anil is a Hindu name linked to Vayu, the wind god. Anila is also one of the eight Vasus, attendant deities in the Vedic tradition.

How popular is Anil?

Very common among Indian men born from the 1950s to 1980s; less fashionable for babies now.

Gifts with the name Anil

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Spellings and variants of Anil

AneelAnila

Names similar to Anil

More Hindu boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Anil mean?

Anil means 'Wind, air'. It is of Sanskrit origin.

Is Anil a Hindu name?

Anil is a Hindu name linked to Vayu, the wind god. Anila is also one of the eight Vasus, attendant deities in the Vedic tradition.

How do you pronounce Anil?

Anil is pronounced uh-NIL.

Is Anil a boy or girl name?

Anil is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.