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Sarayu

♀ Girl

Pronounced sah-RAH-yoo /sɑˈrɑ.ju/Medium

Meaning: From Sanskrit Sarayu — a sacred river (flowing by Ayodhya, Rama's city); also linked to 'air, wind'Medium

In 30 seconds: A sacred river: Sarayu is the holy river of Ayodhya — flowing, lyrical, and serene. Soft, devout, and warm.

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Origin MediumSanskrit

MeaningFrom Sanskrit Sarayu — a sacred river (flowing by Ayodhya, Rama's city); also linked to 'air, wind'

U.S. rank (2025)#5878 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births21 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2009

Total births (all-time)≈ 678

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Sarayu comes from Sanskrit Sarayu — a sacred river that flows past Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama — also linked to 'air, wind' (from a root, 'to flow'). A flowing, serene, devout name across India.

In the U.S. it appears in South Asian families. Rare, a-sacred-river at the root, and serene.

Did you know? Sarayu is the sacred river that flows by Ayodhya, Lord Rama's city — its name also links to 'air, wind'; a flowing, lyrical, devout name (and a character in The Shack).

Overall data confidence 78%

Sanskrit references — Sarayu — etymology

Variations

SaryuSarju

Nicknames

Sara

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Explore names like Sarayu

By themesanskrit nature hindu

By meaningSea / Water Wind / Air

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Sarayu mean?

Sarayu is a sacred river of Ayodhya in Sanskrit, also linked to 'air, wind'.

How do you pronounce Sarayu?

It's said sah-RAH-yoo /sɑˈrɑ.ju/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Sarayu a boy or girl name?

Sarayu is a girl's name.

How popular is Sarayu?

Sarayu is a rare name in the U.S.