Choosing a Malayalam name for your little one — or curious what your own name means? Here are beloved Malayalam names with their meanings, from timeless classics to modern favourites among Malayali families worldwide.
Popular Malayalam names for girls
| Name | Malayalam | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anjali | അഞ്ജലി | Divine offering |
| Lakshmi | ലക്ഷ്മി | Goddess of prosperity |
| Meera | മീര | Devotee of Krishna; ocean |
| Nila | നിള | Moon; the river Nila |
| Devika | ദേവിക | Little goddess |
| Kavya | കാവ്യ | Poetry |
| Amala | അമല | Pure, spotless |
| Mallika | മല്ലിക | Jasmine flower |
| Parvathi | പാർവതി | Goddess Parvati; of the mountains |
| Sreelakshmi | ശ്രീലക്ഷ്മി | Auspicious Lakshmi |
| Aardra | ആർദ്ര | Tender; a star (Thiruvathira) |
| Niranjana | നിരഞ്ജന | Pure, untainted |
| Gauri | ഗൗരി | Fair, radiant; Goddess Parvati |
| Karthika | കാർത്തിക | A star; festival of lights |
| Ammu | അമ്മു | Affectionate pet name |
Popular Malayalam names for boys
| Name | Malayalam | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Arjun | അർജുൻ | Bright, shining; the Pandava hero |
| Hari | ഹരി | Lord Vishnu |
| Kannan | കണ്ണൻ | Krishna; beloved |
| Madhav | മാധവ് | Sweet as honey; Krishna |
| Niranjan | നിരഞ്ജൻ | Pure |
| Sreehari | ശ്രീഹരി | Auspicious Vishnu |
| Unni | ഉണ്ണി | Little one; baby Krishna |
| Vishnu | വിഷ്ണു | The preserver |
| Adithyan | ആദിത്യൻ | The sun |
| Govind | ഗോവിന്ദ് | Cowherd; Krishna |
| Devan | ദേവൻ | Godlike |
| Anand | ആനന്ദ് | Bliss, happiness |
| Kiran | കിരൺ | Ray of light |
| Appu | അപ്പു | Affectionate pet name |
| Achu | അച്ചു | Affectionate pet name |
The sweetest part: Malayali pet names
Whatever the official name, every Malayali child also gets a veetile peru (home name): Ammu, Appu, Achu, Unni, Kannan, Chinnu, Kichu. These affectionate names often stick for life — many adults answer to them at every family gathering. Learn more loving words on the family words page.
Naming traditions in Kerala
Traditionally a child may be named after a grandparent, after the family deity, or by the star (nakshatram) of birth — the 28th-day naming ceremony (noolukettu / namakaranam) is a treasured family event. Diaspora families often choose names that work in both worlds: easy for teachers abroad to say, rich with meaning at home.
Raising your little one with Malayalam?
A name is the first word of a child’s heritage — the language can follow. See the guide to teaching kids Malayalam abroad, or explore playful one-to-one classes for ages 5+.
Frequently asked questions
What are popular Malayalam baby girl names?
Classics include Anjali, Lakshmi, Meera, Nila, Kavya and Devika — names with meanings rooted in nature, poetry and tradition.
What are popular Malayalam baby boy names?
Arjun, Hari, Kannan, Madhav, Unni, Vishnu and Adithyan are beloved choices across Kerala and the diaspora.
What is a veetile peru?
The affectionate home name every Malayali child gets — like Ammu, Appu, Achu or Unni — often used by family for life regardless of the official name.
How are babies traditionally named in Kerala?
Often on the 28th day (noolukettu/namakaranam ceremony), choosing names linked to grandparents, the family deity, or the child’s birth star (nakshatram).
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