ಬಸವರಾಜ್

Basavaraj

boyKannada (Sanskrit vrishabha + raja)Hindu

Basavaraj is a Hindu boy name of Kannada (Sanskrit vrishabha + raja) origin, meaning “King of bulls; lord Basava”.

MeaningKing of bulls; lord Basava
GenderBoy
OriginKannada (Sanskrit vrishabha + raja)
Written asಬಸವರಾಜ್
Pronunciationbuh-suh-vuh-RAAJ
TraditionHindu
Used inIndia

Meaning and origin of Basavaraj

Basavaraj joins Kannada basava, 'bull', a form derived from Sanskrit vrishabha, with raja, 'king'. The bull is Nandi, Shiva's mount, and the name also honours Basavanna, the twelfth-century poet, statesman and social reformer who inspired the Lingayat (Veerashaiva) movement in Karnataka. The name is very common in North Karnataka; the politician Basavaraj Bommai is a well-known bearer.

Is Basavaraj a Hindu name?

Basavaraj is a Hindu and especially Lingayat name, honouring both Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva, and the saint-reformer Basavanna.

How popular is Basavaraj?

Very common in Karnataka, especially in the north of the state.

Gifts with the name Basavaraj

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Spellings and variants of Basavaraj

BasavarajaBasavarajappaBasavaBasappa

Names similar to Basavaraj

More Hindu boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Basavaraj mean?

Basavaraj means 'King of bulls; lord Basava'. It is of Kannada (Sanskrit vrishabha + raja) origin.

Is Basavaraj a Hindu name?

Basavaraj is a Hindu and especially Lingayat name, honouring both Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva, and the saint-reformer Basavanna.

How do you pronounce Basavaraj?

Basavaraj is pronounced buh-suh-vuh-RAAJ.

Is Basavaraj a boy or girl name?

Basavaraj is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.