Rahula
Rahula is a Buddhist boy name of Pali and Sanskrit origin, meaning “Son of the Buddha; often read as 'fetter'”.
| Meaning | Son of the Buddha; often read as 'fetter' |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Pali and Sanskrit |
| Written as | රාහුල |
| Pronunciation | RAA-hoo-lah |
| Tradition | Buddhist |
| Used in | Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, India |
Meaning and origin of Rahula
Rahula was the only son of Siddhartha Gautama and Yasodhara. Pali commentaries say that when Siddhartha heard of the birth he said 'a fetter (rāhu) has been born', which is the traditional explanation of the name, though some link it to Rahu, the eclipse. Rahula later became a monk and is remembered as the foremost of the Buddha's disciples in eagerness to learn. Walpola Rahula, the Sri Lankan monk-scholar, is a modern bearer.
Is Rahula a Buddhist name?
Rahula is a revered figure in Theravada Buddhism, and several early discourses are addressed to him. The name is used among Buddhists, especially monks in Sri Lanka.
How popular is Rahula?
Mostly a monastic or religious name in Theravada countries; Rahul is the everyday Indian form.
Gifts with the name Rahula
- Rahula name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Rahula baby gifts (Amazon)
- Buddhist baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Rahula
Names similar to Rahula
More Buddhist boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rahula mean?
Rahula means 'Son of the Buddha; often read as 'fetter''. It is of Pali and Sanskrit origin.
Is Rahula a Buddhist name?
Rahula is a revered figure in Theravada Buddhism, and several early discourses are addressed to him. The name is used among Buddhists, especially monks in Sri Lanka.
How do you pronounce Rahula?
Rahula is pronounced RAA-hoo-lah.
Is Rahula a boy or girl name?
Rahula is usually a boy name.