Scroll through any list of names inspired by the epics and you’ll see the same ones repeated: Arjun, Krishna, Sita, Rama, Abhimanyu and so on. They’re lovely names, but the Ramayana and the Mahabharata have hundreds of characters, and many of the ones who stood quietly in the background had stories just as moving as the heroes. Their names are also rarer, which is exactly what many parents are looking for these days, something with deep roots and real meaning, but not another one in every class. Here are seven names from the two epics that parents rarely consider.
The name is formed from “su”, meaning good, and “mantra”, meaning counsel, so it’s often read as one who gives good advice. Urmila was Sita’s younger sister and Lakshmana’s wife, and one of the quieter figures of the Ramayana. When Lakshmana left with Rama for exile, she stayed behind in Ayodhya, and her sacrifice is remembered to this day. The name is often understood to mean humble and enchanting, a lovely combination. It’s graceful, easy to say, and carries a gentle strength that suits a daughter. Sumantra was King Dasharatha’s trusted minister and charioteer, and he’s the one who drove Rama to the edge of the forest at the start of his exile. It’s an unusual choice that stands for loyalty and wisdom, and it sounds both traditional and fresh at once.
Because it reminds us that talent grows from effort and focus, it’s a powerful choice for a boy,.
The name joins “chandra”, the moon, with “ketu”, a banner, which gives it a poetic feel, something like “the banner of the moon”. Chandraketu was a son of Lakshmana and Urmila, and a prince of the Ramayana’s next generation. It’s a name you rarely hear, which makes it a distinctive pick for a boy, and the moon imagery gives it a calm, luminous quality. In the Mahabharata, Vidura is the wise, honest advisor at the Kuru court, the one who spoke the truth even when nobody wanted to hear it. His name stands for wisdom and intelligence, and he’s remembered as someone who always chose what was right over what was convenient. It’s a strong, thoughtful name, and a good one for parents who want something meaningful but not flashy. Uttara was Abhimanyu’s wife and the mother of Parikshit, whose birth carried on the Kuru line after the great war. The word itself has several meanings in Sanskrit, including north, higher and superior, and it can also mean an answer. It’s a soft, flowing name that’s easy to pronounce, and it has the kind of quiet dignity that many parents look for in a girl’s name. Chitrangada was the princess of Manipur who married Arjuna, and the mother of Babruvahan A. Her name means beautifully adorned, which gives it a graceful, elegant feel. It’s a longer name, but it has a lovely rhythm, and it’s very rarely used, so it’s perfect for parents who want something distinctive with a strong story behind it. It also shortens easily to a sweet nickname like Chitra. Eklavya is the tribal prince who taught himself archery by practising in front of a clay image of his teacher, Drona. The name has come to stand for single-minded dedication and a hunger to learn. And as an added bonus, it’s easy to say and remember.
