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Home › Baby Names Directory › Gayatri

Gayatri

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Pronounced gah-YAH-tree /ɡaˈja.tri/Medium

Meaning: From Sanskrit: Gayatri is the name of a Vedic meter and, above all, of the Gayatri Mantra, one of the most sacred prayers in Hinduism, addressed to the light of the sun (Savitr). Gayatri is also honored as a goddess who personifies the mantra and is called the mother of the Vedas. A name of real devotional weight, which we note respectfully.Medium

In 30 seconds: Gayatri names one of Hinduism's most sacred prayers, the Gayatri Mantra, and the goddess who personifies it (said 'gah-YAH-tree').
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Origin MediumSanskrit, Indian
MeaningFrom Sanskrit: Gayatri is the name of a Vedic meter and, above all, of the Gayatri Mantra, one of the most sacred prayers in Hinduism, addressed to the light of the sun (Savitr). Gayatri is also honored as a goddess who personifies the mantra and is called the mother of the Vedas. A name of real devotional weight, which we note respectfully.
U.S. rank (2024)#14004 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2006
Total births (all-time)≈ 308

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200719772024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Gayatri is first the name of a Vedic poetic meter, then of the mantra composed in it — the Gayatri Mantra of the Rigveda, a prayer for the illumination of the mind, recited across Hindu traditions for millennia. Gayatri is also worshipped as a goddess, the mantra personified, consort of Brahma in some tellings and called the mother of the Vedas. As a given name in India and the diaspora it is chosen with intention (said 'gah-YAH-tree').

It appears only rarely in U.S. records, chiefly in Indian families. Rare here, sacred and familiar in India.

Did you know? The Gayatri Mantra is among the oldest and most revered verses in the Vedas, recited daily by many Hindus. The goddess Gayatri is the mantra given form, and is called the mother of the Vedas — a name carried with reverence (said 'gah-YAH-tree').
Overall data confidence 60%
References — Gayatri — Sanskrit; Gayatri Mantra of the Rigveda; goddess Gayatri

Variations

GaytriGayathriGayitri

Nicknames

GayaGayTri

Famous Bearers

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If you like Gayatri…

Saraswati— another Hindu goddess of wisdom and speech
Lakshmi— a like devotional Sanskrit name
Savitri— tied to the same solar light of the mantra
Aditi— a like Vedic mother-goddess name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Gayatri mean?

Gayatri is the name of a Vedic meter and of the Gayatri Mantra, one of the most sacred prayers in Hinduism; Gayatri is also honored as the goddess who personifies that mantra.

How do you pronounce Gayatri?

It's said gah-YAH-tree /ɡaˈja.tri/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Gayatri a religious name?

Yes — it carries real devotional weight in Hinduism, tied to the Gayatri Mantra of the Rigveda. Families choose it with intention.

How popular is Gayatri?

Gayatri is rare in the U.S. but a well-known and honored name in India.

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