Names In Bengali: 9 Things To Know!

names in bengali

Do you know who are Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekanand, Satyajit Ray, Jhumpa Lahiri, Sushmita Sen, or Sourav Ganguly? These are the most popular people from the Bengal region of India to have made their name on the global platform!

But do you know that these names have meanings behind them as well? Names in Bengali have a touch of culture, Hindu mythology, regional customs, and beliefs. Whether it’s a poetic blend of sounds or a name inspired by mythological figures, every Bengali name has a meaning and a story behind it. With all of this in mind, keep reading to know 9 things about names in Bengali!

9 Things To Know About Bengali Names

Bengali names often have intricate meanings tied to nature, philosophy, or divine elements, giving them a unique charm. In Bengali families, naming a child is not just a formality—it’s a cherished tradition, with names carefully chosen to reflect aspirations, virtues, and family values.

In West Bengal, official names (first names) and surnames are passed down through generations, and each one holds layers of identity and pride. Understanding them provides a glimpse into the vibrant cultural fabric of Bengal, making it a fascinating subject to explore.

Without further ado, here are 9 key things to know about Bengali names which shed light on their unique characteristics.

1. Rooted In Spirituality And Mythology

Sometimes, Bengali names are selected from Hindu mythology and deities. For example, the names associated with Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Krishna are quite frequent. It’s common to find the names of these deities used in Bengali baby boy names, as they signify strength, wisdom, or divine grace.

2. Significance Of The Rice Ceremony

Annaprashan, or the Rice Ceremony, is very important in Bengali culture. It’s the first time a baby tastes something other than milk. Also on this day, a new name called ‘Bhalo Naam’ is given to the baby after performing all the rituals. The ceremony is normally conducted at the age of six to ten months, and it’s done with family members and relatives, making it a cultural event.

The Rice Ceremony calls for blessings for the health, happiness, and prosperity of the child. Furthermore, rice, which is used in the preparation of most Bengali dishes, symbolizes nourishment and prosperity. These blessings of Hindu deities make it a celebration of the cultural heritage of the child.

3. Influence Of Natural Elements

Bengali names frequently draw inspiration from nature. Names reflecting the beauty of the natural world, such as that of the moon (Chandra), sun (Surya), and morning sun (Tarun), are commonly used. For example, Chandramouli (meaning “one with the moon on his head”) and Pratyush (meaning “dawn” or “rising sun”) highlight the importance of natural elements in Bengali naming practices.

4. Reflecting Personality Traits And Desires

On the other hand, Bengali names often embody desirable traits and virtues. Some examples of such names are Amit (meaning ‘infinite’), Joy (meaning ‘victory’), and Sujit (meaning ‘victorious’) as these are the qualities that parents wish to see in their children. Such names are chosen to inspire children to grow into individuals who embody these traits and values.

5. Names Inspired By Historical Figures

Bengali names can also have a touch of royalty and historical personalities. Some examples include Raja, which means king, and Rani, which means queen; these are considered proper names because they depict royalty and respect. Other common names are those derived from kings, queens, and Bengali poets like Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Sukumar Ray, Gopal, Padmini, Mrinalini, and Lakshman.

6. Integration Of Modern And Traditional Elements

Present-day Bengali culture uses both conventional and contemporary modes of naming. Parents may give their children names that are religious or historical in nature, but they may also choose to give them names that depict modern life. For example, short forms of names or international names are gradually coming into use. This integration makes it possible for Bengali names to grow while at the same time maintaining their culture.

7. The Aesthetic Appeal Of Names

Bengali people like the names to be rhythmic and melodious, and names are given with this in mind. For instance, we have names like Ankita, which means ‘marked’ or ‘engaged,’ and Tushar, which means ‘snow’ or ‘frost’. Not only are they meaningful but also melodious. Something else many Bengali families also consider is the aesthetic value of names since Bengali culture values beauty and rhythm in language.

8. Names As A Reflection Of Family And Social Identity

In Bengali society, names are used as an identity of the family and as a status symbol. Family names or initials can be used to show someone’s background or family tree. For instance, a name like Sarkar or Chowdhury might be used to signify social standing or family heritage. Moreover, names are also given to align with the family’s belief systems, social status, and ethnic background.

9. The Role Of Middle Names

In Bengali, the use of middle names wasn’t common. Generally, Bengalis prefer to only keep last names or surnames. However, this trend is shifting, with many women now choosing to keep their mother’s surname after marriage while also adopting their husband’s surname. Consequently, keeping middle names has become increasingly common.

On the other hand, earlier, middle names were used to pay tribute to family lineage or even religious beliefs. As such, a few Bengalis have middle names to honor their ancestors as per their tradition and culture.

10 Common Bengali Baby Girl Names

Now that you know a bit more about the subject, here are some Bengali names for girls.

NameBengaliMeaningSound
Ananya অনন্যাUnique
IshaniইশানীGoddess Durga
Keyaকেয়া A type of flower
Riyaরিয়াSinger
Sraboni শ্রাবণী Born in the month of monsoon
Tanayaতনয়া Daughter
Madhurimaমাধুরীমা Sweetness
Sreetamaশ্রীতমাGoddess Lakshmi
Tithi তিথি A lunar date, time
Oindrila ঐন্দ্রিলাGoddess Lakshmi

10 Common Bengali Baby Boy Names

And here are some Bengali names for baby boys.

NameBengaliMeaningSound
Aritraঅরিত্র Navigator
Arjun অর্জুনWarrior
Ishan ইশানLord Shiva
Ritwik ঋত্বিক Priest
SouravসৌরভFragrance
Anikঅনীক Soldier
DebjitদেবজিতVictorious
Subham শুভমFortunate
Avik অবিকBrave
Pratyush প্রত্যুষDawn

How Do You Say Name In Bengali?

In Bengali, ‘name’ is referred to as naam (নাম), pronounced as Naa-m.

Frequently Asked Questions About Names In Bengali

1. Why Do Bengalis Have Nicknames?

Bengalis are known to have a nickname called daaknaam, which is used when people are close to each other. It’s more intimate and can be preferred to formal ones, thus, enhancing family and social relationships.

2. What Are The Top 5 Uncommon Names In Bengali?

The top 5 uncommon names used in Bengali are Aaravi, Aratrika, Hrishita, Oishi, and Eshani.

3. What Are The Top 5 Unique Names In Bengali?

The top 5 unique Bengali names are Aviraj, Vritti, Tanirika, Ronav, and Agniprava. These uncommon names relate to Bengali poetic, spiritual, and aesthetic values.

To Conclude

As we’ve seen, names in Bengali take inspiration from many sources. Whether they come from Hindu mythology, important figures, personality traits, or other sources, they have a deep connection with Bengali culture.

As such, naming traditions can give us an interesting glimpse into a culture and its language. If you’re interested in learning more, take a look at our Bengali blog to learn about Bengali work culture, food, history, and much more.

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