Asoka
Asoka is a Buddhist boy name of Pali origin, meaning “Without sorrow”.
| Meaning | Without sorrow |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Pali |
| Written as | असोक |
| Pronunciation | uh-SOH-kuh |
| Tradition | Buddhist |
| Used in | Sri Lanka, India |
Meaning and origin of Asoka
Asoka is the Pali form of Sanskrit Ashoka, the spelling found in Theravada Buddhist chronicles such as Sri Lanka's Mahavamsa. It is the usual way the emperor's name is written in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, where Pali is the language of scripture. Sinhalese families use Asoka as a given name for boys, and it also appears in the feminine form Asoka or Ashoka for girls.
Is Asoka a Buddhist name?
In Theravada Buddhism Asoka is honoured as the king whose son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitta, according to tradition, brought Buddhism and a sapling of the Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka.
How popular is Asoka?
Used mainly in Sri Lanka among Sinhalese Buddhist families.
Gifts with the name Asoka
- Asoka name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Asoka baby gifts (Amazon)
- Buddhist baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Asoka
Names similar to Asoka
More Buddhist boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Asoka mean?
Asoka means 'Without sorrow'. It is of Pali origin.
Is Asoka a Buddhist name?
In Theravada Buddhism Asoka is honoured as the king whose son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitta, according to tradition, brought Buddhism and a sapling of the Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka.
How do you pronounce Asoka?
Asoka is pronounced uh-SOH-kuh.
Is Asoka a boy or girl name?
Asoka is usually a boy name.