Mahavir
Mahavir is a Hindu boy name of Sanskrit origin, meaning “Great hero; very brave”.
| Meaning | Great hero; very brave |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Sanskrit |
| Written as | महावीर |
| Pronunciation | muh-haa-VEER |
| Tradition | Hindu |
| Used in | India, Nepal |
Meaning and origin of Mahavir
Mahavir combines maha, 'great', with vira, 'hero, brave man'. It is best known as the title of Vardhamana Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of Jainism, who lived in the sixth or fifth century BCE in what is now Bihar. In Hindu devotion, Mahavir is also a common epithet of Hanuman, praised in the Hanuman Chalisa as 'Mahabir Bikram Bajrangi'. India's Maha Vir Chakra gallantry award also takes its name from the word.
Is Mahavir a Hindu name?
The name is central to Jainism, where Mahavir Jayanti marks Mahavira's birth, and it is also used by Hindu families devoted to Hanuman. It suits either tradition naturally.
How popular is Mahavir?
Widely used across North and West India, especially in Jain communities of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Gifts with the name Mahavir
- Mahavir name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Mahavir baby gifts (Amazon)
- Hindu baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Mahavir
Names similar to Mahavir
More Hindu boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mahavir mean?
Mahavir means 'Great hero; very brave'. It is of Sanskrit origin.
Is Mahavir a Hindu name?
The name is central to Jainism, where Mahavir Jayanti marks Mahavira's birth, and it is also used by Hindu families devoted to Hanuman. It suits either tradition naturally.
How do you pronounce Mahavir?
Mahavir is pronounced muh-haa-VEER.
Is Mahavir a boy or girl name?
Mahavir is usually a boy name.