The name comes from Sanskrit मैथिली (Maithilī), meaning “from Mithila.” Mithila was the name of an ancient kingdom located in present-day Bihar (India) and parts of Nepal.
The most famous bearer of this name is Sita, heroine of the Ramayana. As the daughter of King Janaka of Mithila, she was called Mythili (“princess of Mithila”).
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The name Padma (पद्म) is derived from Sanskrit, meaning “lotus.” In South Asian tradition, the lotus is one of the most sacred flowers, symbolizing purity, beauty, spiritual awakening, and transcendence — a blossom that rises pristine from muddy waters.
Religious & Mythological Significance
Lakshmi: In Hindu texts, Padma is used as a by-name of the goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. She is often depicted standing or seated upon a lotus, holding lotus flowers in her hands.
Vishnu: The lotus is also associated with Vishnu, Lakshmi’s consort, and the cosmic lotus from which the universe springs.
Attributes: The padma is one of the four attributes (ayudhas) often shown in iconography of deities — symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and divine perfection.
Buddhism & Jainism: The lotus also holds deep meaning in Buddhist and Jain traditions, where it represents spiritual liberation and the blossoming of wisdom.
The name is technically unisex but more commonly bestowed on females. A notable bearer is American author, Padma Lakshmi (b. 1970).
It is also the name of a major river in Bangladesh and in the Harry Potter series, Padma Patil is the twin of Parvati Patil.
International Variations
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The name comes directly from the Tamil word ilavenil இளவேனில் (springtime). A notable bearer is sport shooter, Elavenil Valarivan (b. 1999).
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Safin سَفِين is an Arabic male name that derives from the Arabic root, S-F-N س ف ن meaning, “ship.” Safin itself is the plural form and therefore means “ships.” The singular form of Safina سَفِينة (ship) is used as a female given-name. Another feminine form, which is Safana سَفّانة, literally meaning “boatwright” in modern Arabic derives from the same root but may have had a connotation of a precious gem or pearl in old Arabic and was also used as a term of endearment for a daughter.
The name is used in reference to “سفينة نوح” (safinat Nuh), which is Arabic for Noah’s ark.
Other forms include: Safeen (masculine), Saffanah (feminine), Safanah (feminine) & Safinah (feminine).
A Tatar form is Сәфинә” (Säfinä).
Safina is used throughout the Islamic world.
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The name comes directly from the Hindi word जशन meaning, “festivities.”
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The name comes directly from the Sanskrit word विहान (vihana) meaning, “dawn; early morning.”
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The name comes directly from the Hindi word व्योम (vyom), which means, “space, ether, firmament, sky; heavens.” It is ultimately linked to the Sanskrit व्योमन् (vyoman) of the same meaning.
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Dhyana & Dhyani are unisex (pronounced TAH-nah & TAH-nee), ultimately derived from the Sanskrit ध्यान and meaning “meditation; attention.” Both concepts are applied in Buddhism and Hinduism.
An exclusive masculine form is Dhyan.
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The name is from the Sanskrit a अ (not) & jaya जय (victory).
The name appeared in the British Top 500 Male Names between 1996-2011, and peaked at #300 in 2003.
Other forms Ajai and Ajit.
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The name comes directly from the Arabic word for forenoon or late morning. In Islam, it is used in reference to Salat ad-Duha صَلَاة الضحى, a voluntary prayer that is said between Fajr and Dhuhr and is used mainly for the atonement of sins.
It is also the name of the 93rd chapter in the Qu’ran, al-Ḍuḥā الضحى, (the Morning).
As a given-name, it is traditionally unisex, but has been more often bestowed on females.
Other forms include:
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