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Origin and meaning of the name Arjun

What is the origin of the name Arjun?

The first name Arjun is of Sanskrit origin and is derived from the Hindu epics, particularly the Mahabharata. In these texts, Arjuna is a central character, one of the five Pandava brothers, and also the charioteer of Lord Krishna. The name Arjun means "white, bright, or shining" in Sanskrit. It is widely popular not only in India but also among Indian communities around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the name Arjun

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Arjun

Arjun is a popular given name, particularly in Indian culture, with roots traced back to Hindu mythology. The name is closely associated with Arjuna, one of the main characters in the epic Mahabharata. Arjuna was a prince and an archer of exceptional skill who was also a charioteer for Lord Krishna during the climactic Kurukshetra war.

The name Arjun is derived from the Sanskrit word 'arjuna', which means white or silver. In the Mahabharata, Arjuna represents righteousness and loyalty, as he follows dharma (duty) while facing numerous challenges and ethical dilemmas. The name has been passed down through generations, not only in India but also among Indian communities around the world, symbolizing these noble qualities.

Character traits associated with the name Arjun

Arjun, a popular Indian name, is traditionally associated with several positive character traits in Hindu mythology. He is known for his skillful archery, bravery, and loyalty. Arjuna, one of the main characters in the epic Mahabharata, demonstrates wisdom as he is the charioteer of Lord Krishna who guides him through righteousness. He also embodies patience, as he undergoes a significant period of spiritual education before achieving his ultimate victory in the Kurukshetra war. Arjun's humility is evident when he seeks guidance from elders and accepts their advice. Perseverance is another trait associated with him, as he consistently trains to improve his archery skills and fights battles with determination. Arjun is also known for his unwavering devotion towards duty (dharma), truthfulness (satyameva jayate), and justice (dhritarashtra). These qualities make Arjun a respected figure in Indian mythology and culture.

Popularity of the name Arjun

Arjun is a popular male given name, particularly prevalent in countries with significant populations of Indian descent. The name originates from Sanskrit and is prominent in Hindu mythology as the name of one of the central characters in the epic Mahabharata. In recent times, Arjun has gained popularity beyond its traditional regions, and can be found among diverse communities worldwide. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Arjun was ranked among the top 1000 baby boy names between 2015-2020, signifying its growing acceptance and recognition globally.

Famous people with the name Arjun

Arjun is a popular name among notable individuals across various fields, reflecting its significance in various cultures. In Indian mythology, Arjuna is one of the principal characters in the epic Mahabharata, known for his archery skills and moral wisdom imparted by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. Moving to modern times, Arjun Atwal is a professional golfer who has won the European Tour's Asian Open in 2003 and 2005. Arjun Ram Meghwal is an Indian politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), currently serving as the Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. In Bollywood, Arjun Rampal is a successful actor known for his roles in films such as Rock On!! and Om Shanti Om. Arjun Kapoor, also an actor, has gained fame with movies like Ishaqzaade, 2 States, and Gunday. These individuals exemplify the versatility and success associated with the name Arjun.

Variations of the name Arjun

Arjun is a popular masculine given name of Sanskrit origin, widely used in India and among Indian communities worldwide. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "arjava," which means "noble" or "straightforward." There are several variations of the name Arjun, including:

1. Aryan: This variation is often used as a transliteration of Arjun in countries where the original spelling may be less familiar. It can also be seen as a separate name due to its independent popularity in certain contexts.
2. Arihant: A less common variation, Arihant is a Sanskrit word meaning "conqueror" or "invincible." This name shares etymological roots with Arjun but has distinct meanings.
3. Arjan: This variation appears in various languages and can be found as Arján, Arzhán, or Arjan in different contexts. It is often a result of phonetic adaptations when transliterating the original Sanskrit name into other writing systems.
4. Harjun: A less common Finnish form of the name, derived from the Scandinavian elements "hari" (meaning "army") and "-juhnn" (a diminutive suffix). This variation is not related to the original Sanskrit Arjun but is instead a separate name with its own meaning.
5. Artjom: The Russian form of the name, derived from the Greek "Arkhé" (meaning "ruler") and "-tióm" (a diminutive suffix). This variation shares some similarities with the original Sanskrit Arjun in terms of meaning but is not a direct transliteration or adaptation.
6. Erján: A rare Basque form of the name, this variation may be an adaptation from the Indian name due to cultural exchange and contact between India and European countries.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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