US Popularity Rank: None

Origin: Indian

Meaning: Great hero; Extremely valorous

Mahavira is a boy’s name of Sanskrit and Hindi origin. This legendary name comes from Hindi, meaning “extremely valorous,” as well as Sanskrit, meaning “great hero.” Mahariva is notably a savior and spiritual teacher of the religion Jainism who was born in the 6th century. Mahariva abandoned his worldly possessions by the age of 30 and left the comfort of his royal home in search of spiritual awakening. He obtained omniscience after a rigorous practice of meditation and austerity that lasted for twelve and a half years, preaching for a further 30 years after this. Mahariva is clearly a name of great spiritual importance and can be given to baby in honor of the Jain dharma and its values—emphasizing non-violence, truth, and the health of humankind to name but a few.