उद्धव

Uddhav

boySanskritHindu

Uddhav is a Hindu boy name of Sanskrit origin, meaning “Friend of Krishna; festive joy”.

MeaningFriend of Krishna; festive joy
GenderBoy
OriginSanskrit
Written asउद्धव
PronunciationUD-dhuv
TraditionHindu
Used inIndia

Meaning and origin of Uddhav

Uddhav is the Marathi and Hindi form of Uddhava, the cousin, friend and adviser of Krishna. In the Bhagavata Purana Krishna gives him a long teaching known as the Uddhava Gita before leaving the world, and sends him to comfort the gopis of Vrindavan. As a Sanskrit word uddhava is usually explained as 'festival' or 'joy'. A well-known modern bearer is the Maharashtra politician Uddhav Thackeray.

Is Uddhav a Hindu name?

Uddhava is honoured in Vaishnava tradition as one of Krishna's closest devotees.

How popular is Uddhav?

Used especially in Maharashtra and among Krishna devotees.

Gifts with the name Uddhav

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Spellings and variants of Uddhav

UddhavaUdhavOodhav

Names similar to Uddhav

MadhavKeshavAkrurSudama

More Hindu boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Uddhav mean?

Uddhav means 'Friend of Krishna; festive joy'. It is of Sanskrit origin.

Is Uddhav a Hindu name?

Uddhava is honoured in Vaishnava tradition as one of Krishna's closest devotees.

How do you pronounce Uddhav?

Uddhav is pronounced UD-dhuv.

Is Uddhav a boy or girl name?

Uddhav is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.