Find out how popular the first name Bhavani has been for the last 16 years (from 1996 to 2011) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bhavani by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Bhavani is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2011, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Bhavani.

The history of the first name Bhavani

The name Bhavani has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that was the root of many Indian languages. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "bhavani," which means "the giver of existence" or "the creator."

Bhavani is a name associated with the Hindu goddess Parvati, who is considered the divine mother and the consort of Lord Shiva. The name is first mentioned in the Puranas, ancient Hindu texts that date back to the 3rd century CE. In these texts, Bhavani is described as a fierce and powerful aspect of the goddess Parvati, who represents the creative and destructive forces of the universe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bhavani can be found in the Devi Mahatmya, a Sanskrit text that dates back to the 5th or 6th century CE. This text is a revered Hindu scripture that glorifies the goddess Parvati as the supreme deity and the source of all creation.

Over the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Bhavani. One of the most famous was Bhavani Das (1608-1691), a renowned Indian poet and saint from the Nayaki tradition of Tamil literature. His works, which include the Navaratnamalai and the Subramanyar Kulasaram, are celebrated for their devotional and philosophical depth.

Another notable figure was Bhavani Prasad Mishra (1828-1906), a Hindu reformist and social activist from Varanasi, India. He played a significant role in promoting education and advocating for the abolition of discriminatory practices against women and lower castes.

In the 20th century, Bhavani Charan Bandyopadhyay (1909-1981) was a celebrated Indian philosopher and scholar known for his works on Indian epistemology and logic. His contributions to the field of Navya-Nyaya, a school of Indian logic, were widely recognized.

The name Bhavani was also borne by Bhavani Sastri (1915-1995), an Indian classical dancer and choreographer who played a pivotal role in reviving and promoting the Bharatanatyam dance form. Her performances and teachings helped elevate the art form to international recognition.

Finally, Bhavani Devi (born 1995) is a contemporary Indian fencer who made history in 2020 by becoming the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympic Games. Her achievement brought global attention to the sport of fencing in India and inspired many young athletes in the country.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Bhavani was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Bhavani, please contact us.

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