Shankar
Shankar is a Hindu boy name of Sanskrit origin, meaning “Bringer of welfare; Lord Shiva”.
| Meaning | Bringer of welfare; Lord Shiva |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Sanskrit |
| Written as | शंकर |
| Pronunciation | SHUNG-kur |
| Tradition | Hindu |
| Used in | India, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
Meaning and origin of Shankar
Shankar (Sanskrit Shankara) joins sham, 'welfare, happiness', with kara, 'maker', so it means 'one who brings blessing'. It is one of the best-known names of Shiva. The eighth-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, founder of Advaita Vedanta, bore it, as did the sitar master Ravi Shankar. It is used throughout India and as a surname as well as a given name.
Is Shankar a Hindu name?
Shankar is a direct name of Shiva and is used by Hindu families devoted to him. The title Shankaracharya, held by heads of monasteries founded in Adi Shankara's tradition, keeps the name prominent in Hindu religious life.
How popular is Shankar?
A classic name across India; very familiar, though more typical of older generations than of newborns.
Gifts with the name Shankar
- Shankar name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Shankar baby gifts (Amazon)
- Hindu baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Shankar
Names similar to Shankar
More Hindu boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Shankar mean?
Shankar means 'Bringer of welfare; Lord Shiva'. It is of Sanskrit origin.
Is Shankar a Hindu name?
Shankar is a direct name of Shiva and is used by Hindu families devoted to him. The title Shankaracharya, held by heads of monasteries founded in Adi Shankara's tradition, keeps the name prominent in Hindu religious life.
How do you pronounce Shankar?
Shankar is pronounced SHUNG-kur.
Is Shankar a boy or girl name?
Shankar is usually a boy name.