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Shiva
Pronounced SHEE-vah /ΛΚi.vΙ/Medium
Meaning: From Sanskrit shiva, 'auspicious, kind, gracious, benign' β the great Hindu deity Shiva; here for boysMedium
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Shiva comes from Sanskrit shiva, 'auspicious, kind, gracious, benign'. It is the name of one of the three principal Hindu deities β Shiva, the transformer and destroyer-renewer, lord of meditation and the cosmic dance β a deeply sacred divine name (which we note with respect). A devout, powerful name (said 'SHEE-vah'; here for boys, slug distinguished).
In the U.S. it appears in South Asian families. Rare, the-auspicious-one at the root, and devout.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Shiva mean?
Shiva is Sanskrit for 'auspicious, kind, gracious' β the name of the great Hindu deity Shiva.
How do you pronounce Shiva?
It's said SHEE-vah /ΛΚi.vΙ/ β two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Shiva a boy or girl name?
Shiva is used here as a boy's name (the deity Shiva).
How popular is Shiva?
Shiva is a rare name in the U.S.