Origin, Meaning, And History Of Chandra
Chandra is a unisex name of Indian origin deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It derives from Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, and means “shining” or “bright,” just like the moon. In Hinduism, Chandra is also associated with the God of the moon, known as “Soma,” who is believed to govern the night and plants. Soma is revered by his followers and has several Hindu temples dedicated to him.
In Hindu mythology, the name Chandra is often added to the names of Gods, such as Ramchandra or Krishnachandra, as it is believed that their faces shine brighter than millions of moons. This reflects the importance of the moon and its association with divinity in Hindu culture.
Chandra appears in several Hindu mythological texts, including the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Vedic Puranas. In one of the Puranas, Chandra is considered a manifestation of Lord Brahma, one of the members of the Holy Trinity. Additionally, Lord Shiva, another member of the Holy Trinity, is depicted wearing a crescent moon on His head. This is because he rescued the moon God, Chandra, from a curse.
In Hindu calendar, Monday is known as ‘Somvar,’ as it is believed to be the day of the moon. The importance of the moon is reflected in India’s lunar exploration program, which is called “Chandrayaan,” meaning “moon craft.”
Chandra has many variations, including Chanda, Chandara, Chandria, Chandrama, Chandani, Chandy, and Chaundra. In addition, Chandra is a common surname in Indian families. Some nicknames for Chandra include Chandu and Chand.
Chandra also appears in popular culture. The title of the classic novel, The Moonstone, by Wilkie Collins, is said to be inspired by the moon God, Chandra. In the TV series You, Dr. Chandra is a recurring character. The 2010 documentary film Chandrayaan celebrates India’s first lunar mission, named after the moon craft.
How To Pronounce Chandra?
Famous People With The Name Chandra
- Chandragupta MauryaIndian emperor, founder of the Maurya empire
- Chandra Shekhar AzadIndian social activist known for his major contribution towards Indian freedom struggle
- Chandra WestCanadian actress, known for her role in the movie White Noise
- Chandra WilsonAmerican actress, famous for playing Dr. Miranda Bailey in the TV show, Grey’s Anatomy
- Chandra NorthAmerican model, featured in several magazines and advertisements
Chandra On The Popularity Chart
Chandra is not a popular name in the US. There were names registered in the 80s but it seems to have vanished from public memory since then.
Popularity Over Time
As seen in the chart below, the name had barely five names per million babies in 1982 which rose to nine in 1984. It again declined by 1996.
Source:Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
In ranking, the name remained beyond 16,000 rank as it failed to catch up in popularity.
Source:Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar SoundAs Chandra
Like how Chandra sounds? Then why not look for more names that sound similar. Here have a look at the list below.
Popular Sibling Names For Chandra
Boy Sibling Names For Chandra
Chandar
Chandara
Chandarmouli
Chander
Chander moon
Chander Raj
Chanderbhan
Chanderjeet
Chanderjit
Chanderjot
Girl Sibling Names For Chandra
Chandhraka
Chandrabali
Chandrabhadra
Chandrabhaga
Chandrabrati
Chandradhara
Chandraharika
Chandraja
Chandrajyoti
Chandrakala
Other Popular Names Beginning With C
Names With Similar Meaning As Chandra
If you like the meaning of Chandra, but want to explore more options, then have a look at the list below.
Infographic: Know The Name’s Personality As Per Numerology
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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如何Communicate The Name In Other Languages
In Nautical Flags
chandra
用手语
chandra
In Braille Alphabet
chandra
In Morse Code
chandra
Name Numerology For Chandra
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Chandra?
The name Chandra means ‘shining’ or ‘bright.’
2. What is the origin of the name Chandra?
钱德拉的印度裔。
3. Is Chandra a boy’s or a girl’s name?
Chandra is a name of Indian heritage widely used for boys and girls, tracing its roots back to ancient Sanskrit, the language of India. This name carries profound associations with Hindu mythology, particularly relating to the celestial sphere. In Hindu lore, Chandra often intertwines with the names of revered gods and goddesses, exemplified by combinations like Ramchandra or Krishnachandra.
4. Is Chandra a Bengali surname?
Chandra is a Bengali surname that is prevalent among both Indian (West Bengal) and Bangladeshi communities, particularly among the Kayastha community. It originates from the Sanskrit word čandra, which means ‘pleasant shining’ or ‘moon.’ In Bengali culture, it is common for surnames to be derived from meaningful words or elements from Sanskrit.
