Shiva
Shiva: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʃiːvə/ · /ˈʃɪvə/
Meaning and origin of Shiva
- A male given name from Sanskrit used in India.
Etymology
Borrowed from Sanskrit शिव (śivá, “the auspicious one”).
How popular is Shiva?
Since 1880, 284 girls and 543 boys in the U.S. have been named Shiva (34% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #6641 in 1983. Its highest rank for boys was #3857 in 1997. In 2025, 24 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Shiva
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Sanskrit unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Shiva
Sister and brother names that share Shiva's Sanskrit roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Shiva FAQ
What does the name Shiva mean?
A male given name from Sanskrit used in India. Borrowed from Sanskrit शिव (śivá, “the auspicious one”).
What is the origin of the name Shiva?
Shiva is listed as a name of Sanskrit origin.
How popular is the name Shiva?
Since 1880, 284 girls and 543 boys in the U.S. have been named Shiva (34% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #6641 in 1983. Its highest rank for boys was #3857 in 1997. In 2025, 24 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Shiva a boy or girl name?
Shiva is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (284 girls and 543 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.