Shankar
Meaning
Giver of happiness; a name of Lord Shiva; auspicious.
Pronunciation note: Shankar may be challenging to pronounce for English speakers unfamiliar with Sanskrit sounds. You may want to have a simple pronunciation guide ready.
About the name Shankar
Shankar is one of the most widely used names of Lord Shiva — meaning giver of happiness or the auspicious one. Shiva as Shankar is the benevolent, blessing-giving aspect of the deity, in contrast to his fiercer forms like Rudra. The name is enormously popular across India and in diaspora communities, used by Hindu families of all regional backgrounds. Adi Shankaracharya (788–820 CE), the great philosopher and reformer of Hinduism, bears this name, adding intellectual and spiritual prestige. SHAN-kar is easy to approximate in English and has been widely recognised internationally through Indian musicians like Ravi Shankar.
Frequently asked questions
What does Shankar mean?
Giver of happiness; a name of Lord Shiva; auspicious.
Is Shankar an Indian name?
Yes, Shankar is an Indian name of Sanskrit and Tamil origin, widely used across South Asia and by Indian diaspora communities in the US, UK, Canada and Australia.
How do you pronounce Shankar?
Shankar is pronounced SHAN-kar.
Is Shankar a Hindu name?
Yes, Shankar is a Hindu name of Sanskrit and Tamil origin, commonly used by Hindu families across India and by the Indian Hindu diaspora worldwide.
What is the origin of the name Shankar?
Shankar is a name of Sanskrit and Tamil origin. It is traditionally used as a boy's name.
Similar names you might like
Rudra
The howler; a fierce form of Lord Shiva; mighty and awe-inspiring.
Hari
Lord Vishnu; green, golden; one who removes sin.
Krishna
Dark, all-attractive; the divine one who draws all beings to himself.
Omkar
The sound of Om; the embodiment of the sacred syllable; God.