Dharma
Dharma is a Hindu unisex name of Sanskrit origin, meaning “Righteous duty; cosmic law, truth”.
| Meaning | Righteous duty; cosmic law, truth |
|---|---|
| Gender | Unisex |
| Origin | Sanskrit |
| Written as | धर्म |
| Pronunciation | DHAR-muh |
| Tradition | Hindu, Buddhist |
| Used in | India, Nepal, Bhutan, United States |
Meaning and origin of Dharma
Dharma comes from the Sanskrit root dhṛ, 'to hold or support', so the word describes what upholds the world: moral order, right conduct and duty. In Hindu thought it is one of the four aims of life, and in the Mahabharata the eldest Pandava, Yudhishthira, is the son of the god Dharma. In Buddhism the same word, Pali dhamma, refers to the Buddha's teaching. In India it is mostly a boy's name, while in the West it has been used for girls.
Is Dharma a Hindu name?
Dharma is a central term in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. In Buddhism it is one of the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha), the teaching that leads to liberation.
How popular is Dharma?
Used in India and Nepal, mostly for boys, and occasionally in the West as a spiritual-sounding name for girls.
Gifts with the name Dharma
- Dharma name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Dharma baby gifts (Amazon)
- Hindu baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Dharma
Names similar to Dharma
More Hindu unisex names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dharma mean?
Dharma means 'Righteous duty; cosmic law, truth'. It is of Sanskrit origin.
Is Dharma a Hindu name?
Dharma is a central term in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. In Buddhism it is one of the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha), the teaching that leads to liberation.
How do you pronounce Dharma?
Dharma is pronounced DHAR-muh.
Is Dharma a boy or girl name?
Dharma is used for both boys and girls.