Harnav first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Harnav has been for the last 1 years (from 2023 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Harnav

A masculine name of Indian origin meaning "Lion of God".

Popularity of Harnav by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Harnav is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Harnav.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 5 0

The history of the first name Harnav

The name Harnav has its origins in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in the Punjabi language spoken in the regions of Punjab, India, and Pakistan. It is a combination of two words: "Har," which means God or the Supreme Being, and "Nav," which means new or fresh. Together, the name Harnav can be interpreted as "New God" or "Fresh God."

In Sikhism, one of the major religions in Punjab, the name Harnav is often associated with the concept of reincarnation and the belief that God takes on a new form in each life cycle. This connection to the divine and the notion of spiritual rebirth may have contributed to the name's popularity among Sikh families.

The earliest recorded use of the name Harnav dates back to the 16th century, during the reign of the Mughal Empire in India. It is believed that some Sikh families adopted the name as a way to affirm their faith and identity in the face of religious persecution under the Mughal rulers.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Harnav was Harnav Singh, a Sikh warrior who lived in the late 17th century and fought against the oppressive policies of the Mughal Empire. His bravery and commitment to protecting his community's religious freedom made him a revered figure in Sikh history.

Another notable Harnav was Harnav Kaur, a Sikh poet and activist who lived in the early 20th century. She was a fierce advocate for women's rights and social reform, using her poetry to challenge traditional gender roles and promote education for girls.

In the realm of sports, Harnav Singh Yadav was a renowned Indian cricketer who played for the national team in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to score runs quickly, earning him the nickname "The Sikh Destroyer."

More recently, Harnav Singh Bedi was an Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded several successful businesses in the technology and healthcare sectors. He was also a prominent advocate for environmental causes and worked to promote sustainable practices in various industries.

While the name Harnav has its roots in the Punjabi language and Sikh culture, it has gained popularity across India and beyond, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. Its unique blend of spiritual and contemporary connotations continues to make it a meaningful and distinctive choice for parents seeking a name that connects their child to a rich cultural heritage.

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 Harnav was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Harnav first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 3, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/harnav-meaning-and-history/.

"Harnav first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/harnav-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 3 June, 2025

Harnav first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/harnav-meaning-and-history/.

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