Find out how popular the first name Shiv has been for the last 40 years (from 1984 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shiv by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Shiv is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 90 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shiv.

The history of the first name Shiv

The name Shiv is of Hindu origin and is derived from the Sanskrit word "Shiva," which means "auspicious" or "propitious." Shiva is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, known as the Destroyer or the Transformer. The name Shiv is a shortened form of Shiva and is often used as a reference to the deity.

In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is revered as the Supreme Being who represents the cosmic forces of creation, preservation, and destruction. The name Shiv is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and has been mentioned in numerous ancient texts, including the Vedas, Puranas, and the Bhagavad Gita.

The earliest recorded use of the name Shiv dates back to ancient India, where it was commonly used by Hindu families as a way to honor and invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva. Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Shiv.

One of the most famous historical figures with the name Shiv was Shivaji Bhonsle (1630-1680), a prominent Indian warrior king and the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. He is revered as a hero and a symbol of resistance against the Mughal Empire.

Another notable figure was Shiv Kumar Batalvi (1936-1973), a celebrated Punjabi poet and writer who is considered one of the most influential literary figures in modern Punjabi literature. His works, such as "Loona" and "Piran da Paraga," explored themes of love, longing, and human emotions.

In the realm of music, Shiv Dayal Singh (1818-1878), better known as Tansen, was a legendary Indian classical vocalist and composer during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians in Indian history and is credited with establishing the Gwalior gharana (musical tradition).

Shiv Khera (born 1961) is a contemporary Indian author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur. His self-help book, "You Can Win," has been a bestseller and has been translated into numerous languages, inspiring millions of readers worldwide.

Another notable figure is Shiv Naresh Teens (1926-1986), an Indian poet, and playwright who wrote extensively in Hindi and Urdu. He is recognized for his contributions to modern Hindi poetry and his efforts in promoting secularism and communal harmony through his literary works.

These are just a few examples of notable historical figures who have borne the name Shiv, a name that carries a rich cultural and spiritual significance in Hinduism and has been embraced by people across generations.

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

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

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