The name Arnav has its origins in the Sanskrit language, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that dates back to the 2nd millennium BCE. It is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in the regions that are now modern-day India and Pakistan. The name Arnav is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Arya," meaning noble or honorable, and "Nava," meaning new or fresh.

In Hindu mythology, the name Arnav is associated with Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Arnav is also mentioned in several ancient Hindu texts, including the Vedas and the Puranas, which are considered sacred scriptures. The earliest known reference to the name Arnav can be found in the Mahabharata, a Sanskrit epic composed between the 8th and 4th centuries BCE.

One of the earliest recorded examples of an individual with the name Arnav is Arnav Ketkar, a renowned Indian musician and composer who lived in the 16th century. Another notable figure with this name is Arnav Goswami, an Indian journalist and news anchor who founded the news channel Republic TV in 2017.

Throughout history, several prominent individuals have borne the name Arnav. These include Arnav Kapoor, an Indian actor and model born in 1985, Arnav Mukherjee, an Indian cricketer born in 1993, and Arnav Sharma, an Indian author and entrepreneur born in 1981.

Additionally, Arnav Kapur was an Indian film director and screenwriter who worked in Bollywood during the 1980s and 1990s. He directed several popular films, including "Chameli Ki Shaadi" and "Pyaar Ke Side Effects." Another notable Arnav was Arnav Deshmukh, an Indian classical dancer and choreographer who lived in the 20th century and made significant contributions to the field of Kathak, a major classical dance form of India.