What does Shiva mean and where does it come from?
Shiva is primarily recognized as a name of divine significance in Hindu culture, associated with the deity Shiva, a principal figure in Hindu mythology. In contemporary usage, it has also been adopted as a feminine name, illustrating changing perspectives on gender and divinity. In addition to its r
Cultural significance
Shiva has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of auspicious; kind; the auspicious one..
Peak popularity
Reached #6496 in 1983 — currently #13280 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Shiva?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Shiva?
Shiva works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shiva Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Shiva John
One syllable · timeless choice
Shiva Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Shiva Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Shiva Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Shiva Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Shiva right now?
Falling — down 8690 spots — currently #13280 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #13280 | 7 | ▼ down 8690 · -70% births |
| 2023 | #4590 | 23 | ▲ up 2598 · +92% births |
| 2022 | #7188 | 12 | ▼ down 2842 · -50% births |
| 2021 | #4346 | 24 | ▲ up 7978 · +243% births |
| 2020 | #12324 | 7 | ▼ down 880 · -22% births |
| 2010 | #11444 | 9 | ▲ up 3476 · +50% births |
| 2005 | #14920 | 6 | ▼ down 3889 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #11031 | 8 | ▼ down 1433 |
| 1990 | #9598 | 8 | ▼ down 1673 |
| 1985 | #7925 | 8 | — |
The story of Shiva
Shiva is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1968. With 704 total births recorded, Shiva remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7925 in 1985 to #4590 in 2023. Shiva is used for both genders: 37% female and 63% male.
Names that peaked alongside Shiva in 1983:
Shiva by decade
Shiva peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 24 | |
| 1980s | 102 | |
| 1990s | 187 | |
| 2000s ★ | 211 | |
| 2010s | 156 | |
| 2020s | 67 | |
💎Shiva has only 704 total recorded births since 1968 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shiva?
What names sound and feel like Shiva?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shiva also consider these
Common questions about the name Shiva
What does the name Shiva mean?
Shiva means "Auspicious; kind; the auspicious one." — 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 Shiva?
Shiva is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Shiva have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Shiva?
Shiva 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 Shiva?
Shiva is a two-syllable name pronounced SHEE-vuh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Shiva trending right now?
Shiva is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.