What does Arjuna mean and where does it come from?
Arjuna (अर्जुन) is a central character in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. He is one of the five Pandava brothers and is known for his skills as an archer. The name is derived from the Sanskrit root 'arj' which means 'to shine' or 'to be bright'. As a warrior, Arjuna represents virtue and righteousness.
Cultural significance
Arjuna has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright, shining, white.
Peak popularity
Reached #4080 in 1977 — currently #7718 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Arjuna?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Arjuna?
Arjuna works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Arjuna Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Arjuna John
One syllable · timeless choice
Arjuna Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Arjuna Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Arjuna Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Arjuna Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Arjuna right now?
Rising fast — up 67 spots — currently #7718 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #7718 | 10 | ▲ up 67 |
| 2023 | #7785 | 10 | ▼ down 928 · -17% births |
| 2022 | #6857 | 12 | ▲ up 778 · +20% births |
| 2021 | #7635 | 10 | ▼ down 1549 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #6086 | 14 | ▲ up 3858 · +100% births |
| 2010 | #9944 | 7 | ▼ down 2677 · -30% births |
| 2005 | #7267 | 10 | ▲ up 24 · +43% births |
| 1995 | #7291 | 7 | ▼ down 2719 · -22% births |
| 1985 | #4572 | 9 | ▲ up 2259 · +80% births |
| 1980 | #6831 | 5 | ▼ down 2130 · -29% births |
| 1975 | #4701 | 7 | — |
The story of Arjuna
Arjuna is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1971. With 277 total births recorded, Arjuna remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4701 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7785 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Arjuna in 1977:
Arjuna by decade
Arjuna peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 34 | |
| 1980s | 45 | |
| 1990s | 38 | |
| 2000s | 65 | |
| 2010s ★ | 95 | |
| 2020s | 10 | |
💎Arjuna has only 277 total recorded births since 1971 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Arjuna?
What names sound and feel like Arjuna?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Arjuna also consider these
How is Arjuna written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Arjuna
What does the name Arjuna mean?
Arjuna means "bright, shining, white" — a name rooted in India tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Arjuna?
Arjuna is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Arjuna have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Arjuna?
Arjuna originates from India tradition. India names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Arjuna?
Arjuna is a three-syllable name pronounced AH-RJOO-NAH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Arjuna?
Arjuna pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar India heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.