
In Indian tradition, a baby's name often begins before the baby's parents even start a shortlist. It begins in the sky. The moon's position at the time of birth decides the child's rashi (moon sign) and nakshatra (birth star), and each of these comes with auspicious starting letters or syllables for the name. This guide walks you through all 12 rashis and all 27 nakshatras, with their lucky letters, the qualities linked to each sign, and popular boy and girl names with meanings for every one.
A rashi is your baby's moon sign: the zodiac sign the moon occupied at the exact moment of birth. It is different from the Western sun sign, which follows calendar dates. A pandit or a panchang uses the birth date, time, and place to find the rashi and nakshatra, and each one is linked to specific starting letters believed to bring harmony between the child and their name. Many families use this letter for the naamkaran ceremony, then choose the everyday name freely, while others pick one name that satisfies both.
Mesha, the first rashi, is ruled by Mars and symbolised by the ram. Its lucky starting letters are A, L, E, I, and O.
Qualities of Mesha babies: Mesha-born children are believed to be energetic, courageous pioneers. They love being first, whether it is the first step, the first word, or the first one down the slide.
Popular Boy Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Peaceful, calm | |
Bright, shining; the Mahabharata hero | |
Gift of God, good fortune | |
Aim, goal | |
The sacred sound Om |
Popular Girl Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Grace, favour of God | |
A name of Goddess Lakshmi | |
Earth; Goddess Saraswati | |
Grace, beauty | |
Desired, superior |
Vrishabha is ruled by Venus and symbolised by the bull. Its lucky starting letters are B, V, U, and W.
Qualities of Vrishabha babies: Vrishabha-borns are said to be calm, dependable, and quietly artistic. They are steady souls who love comfort, routine, and the people they trust.
Popular Boy Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Dawn, the start of a new day | |
Full of life; the first rays of the sun | |
Brave, warrior | |
Lord of water and oceans | |
Rising, dawn |
Popular Girl Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Gracious gift of God | |
Altar; full of knowledge | |
Grand, splendid | |
The earth | |
Devotee of Lord Vishnu |
Mithuna is ruled by Mercury and symbolised by the twins. Its lucky starting letters are K, Chh, and Gh.
Qualities of Mithuna babies: Mithuna-born children are believed to be witty, curious, and wonderful communicators. They ask endless questions and charm everyone with their quick smiles.
Popular Boy Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Great; the revered saint-poet | |
Krishna and Shiva together | |
Grace of God, king | |
The holy month of Kartik; Lord Kartikeya | |
Short and sweet for Lord Krishna |
Popular Girl Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Poetry | |
A monsoon flower | |
Shining, bright | |
Miracle, divine | |
Princess; ray of light |
Karka is ruled by the Moon and symbolised by the crab. Its lucky starting letters are D and H.
Qualities of Karka babies: Karka-borns are thought to be nurturing, intuitive, and deeply attached to home. They feel everything first in the heart and love fiercely.
Popular Boy Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Capable, talented | |
God, divine | |
Pleasant to behold | |
Joy, happiness | |
The moon, the cool-rayed one |
Popular Girl Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
A little lamp | |
Divine, heavenly | |
Direction | |
Heart | |
Swan, graceful |
Simha is ruled by the Sun and symbolised by the lion. Its lucky starting letters are M and T.
Qualities of Simha babies: Simha-born children are believed to be confident, warm, and born to lead. They light up the room and protect their loved ones like little lions.
Popular Boy Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
A name of Lord Krishna | |
Deep thought, reflection | |
Liberation, salvation | |
Brilliance, radiance | |
Ambition; jewel |
Popular Girl Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Expert, skilled | |
The saint-poetess devoted to Krishna | |
A wish, a prayer | |
Star | |
Graceful, delicate |
Kanya is ruled by Mercury and symbolised by the maiden. Its lucky starting letters are P and Th.
Qualities of Kanya babies: Kanya-borns are said to be precise, helpful, and quietly intelligent. They notice everything and love doing things just right.
Popular Boy Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
The sacred sound Om | |
Another name of Arjuna | |
First, foremost | |
A part of the beloved | |
The flame-of-the-forest flower |
Popular Girl Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Beloved, God's gift | |
Fairy, angel | |
The sweet call of a bird | |
Beloved, dear one | |
Eyelash; one who protects |
Tula is ruled by Venus and symbolised by the scales. Its lucky starting letters are R and T.
Qualities of Tula babies: Tula-born children are believed to be charming, fair-minded peacemakers. They have an eye for beauty and a gift for bringing people together.
Popular Boy Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
A ray of light; part of Lord Vishnu | |
A fierce form of Lord Shiva | |
Superior; a musical note | |
Lord Rama, descendant of Raghu | |
Son, belonging to the family |
Popular Girl Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Singer, graceful | |
Soul, spiritual | |
Full of love and prosperity | |
Of the family; fairy princess | |
Noble, wish |
Vrishchika is ruled by Mars and symbolised by the scorpion. Its lucky starting letters are N and Y.
Qualities of Vrishchika babies: Vrishchika-borns are thought to be intense, determined, and magnetic. Still waters run deep with these little ones, and their willpower is remarkable.
Popular Boy Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Blue, the colour of the sky | |
Holy, pious | |
Salutation, respect | |
Fame, glory | |
Prince, heir |
Popular Girl Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
New, young | |
Eternal, constant | |
Special, lovely | |
Famous, glorious | |
Night, nocturnal |
Dhanu is ruled by Jupiter and symbolised by the archer. Its lucky starting letters are Bh, Dh, and F.
Qualities of Dhanu babies: Dhanu-born children are believed to be optimistic, adventurous, and refreshingly honest. They aim high, laugh loud, and love exploring.
Popular Boy Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
The pole star; steadfast | |
Patience, courage | |
The bow | |
Lord of the world; Shiva | |
The world, the universe |
Popular Girl Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Courage, steadiness | |
The earth; a constant flow | |
Cheerful, full of expression | |
The earth | |
Born in the month of Phalgun |
Makara is ruled by Saturn and symbolised by the sea creature makara. Its lucky starting letters are Kh and J.
Qualities of Makara babies: Makara-borns are said to be disciplined, ambitious, and patient beyond their years. They climb steadily and never give up on a goal.
Popular Boy Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Triumph, victory | |
Victorious, lord of victory | |
A name of Lord Shiva | |
Happy, prosperous | |
Fame, praise |
Popular Girl Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Heart, life | |
The river Ganga | |
The jasmine flower | |
Happiness, joy | |
Born of life |
Kumbha is ruled by Saturn and symbolised by the water bearer. Its lucky starting letters are G, S, and Sh.
Qualities of Kumbha babies: Kumbha-born children are believed to be original, independent thinkers with big hearts for the world. They dream of making things better for everyone.
Popular Boy Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
Bravery, valour | |
"I am He"; oneness with the divine | |
The enlightened one; Lord Buddha | |
A part of Lord Shiva | |
Meaningful, worthwhile |
Popular Girl Names | Meaning |
|---|---|
A name of Goddess Lakshmi | |
Pure, precious | |
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