Ashoka
Ashoka is a Buddhist boy name of Sanskrit (Pali: Asoka) origin, meaning “Without sorrow”.
| Meaning | Without sorrow |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Sanskrit (Pali: Asoka) |
| Written as | अशोक |
| Pronunciation | uh-SHOH-kuh |
| Tradition | Buddhist, Hindu |
| Used in | India, Sri Lanka, Nepal |
Meaning and origin of Ashoka
Ashoka is the Sanskrit name meaning 'without sorrow', best known as the name of the Mauryan emperor (reigned c. 268–232 BCE). After his conquest of Kalinga, his own edicts record his remorse and his turn to the Buddha's teaching of dhamma; he sent missions abroad, including, tradition says, his son Mahinda to Sri Lanka. His edicts, carved on rocks and pillars, are among the earliest deciphered Indian inscriptions.
Is Ashoka a Buddhist name?
Ashoka is a towering figure in Buddhist history, remembered as the model righteous king; the Ashoka Chakra wheel on India's flag comes from his pillars.
How popular is Ashoka?
Less common than Ashok as a modern given name, but well known in India and Sri Lanka.
Gifts with the name Ashoka
- Ashoka name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Ashoka baby gifts (Amazon)
- Buddhist baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Ashoka
Names similar to Ashoka
More Buddhist boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ashoka mean?
Ashoka means 'Without sorrow'. It is of Sanskrit (Pali: Asoka) origin.
Is Ashoka a Buddhist name?
Ashoka is a towering figure in Buddhist history, remembered as the model righteous king; the Ashoka Chakra wheel on India's flag comes from his pillars.
How do you pronounce Ashoka?
Ashoka is pronounced uh-SHOH-kuh.
Is Ashoka a boy or girl name?
Ashoka is usually a boy name.