Sunil
Sunil is a Hindu boy name of Sanskrit origin, meaning “Deep blue”.
| Meaning | Deep blue |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Sanskrit |
| Written as | सुनील |
| Pronunciation | soo-NEEL |
| Tradition | Hindu |
| Used in | India, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
Meaning and origin of Sunil
Sunil joins su, 'very', with nila, 'blue, dark blue', describing the deep blue of the sky or ocean, and also the sapphire. Because Vishnu, Krishna and Rama are pictured with dark blue skin, the colour carries divine associations. The name was hugely popular in India from the 1950s to the 1980s. Famous bearers include the cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, the footballer Sunil Chhetri and the actors Sunil Dutt and Suniel Shetty.
Is Sunil a Hindu name?
Sunil is a Hindu-background name; its deep-blue meaning recalls the dark-complexioned forms of Vishnu and Krishna, though it is not itself a name of a god.
How popular is Sunil?
Very common in India among older generations; much less often chosen for babies now.
Gifts with the name Sunil
- Sunil name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Sunil baby gifts (Amazon)
- Hindu baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Sunil
Names similar to Sunil
More Hindu boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Sunil mean?
Sunil means 'Deep blue'. It is of Sanskrit origin.
Is Sunil a Hindu name?
Sunil is a Hindu-background name; its deep-blue meaning recalls the dark-complexioned forms of Vishnu and Krishna, though it is not itself a name of a god.
How do you pronounce Sunil?
Sunil is pronounced soo-NEEL.
Is Sunil a boy or girl name?
Sunil is usually a boy name.