What’s in a name? – Nimay Kulkarni, 5th grade
Names are influenced by many factors. In Hindu culture, people might be named after gods, great people, animals, flowers, plants, or good qualities. Even if you are named after gods and great people the root of the name is often the name of a good quality. For instance, my name is Nimay. It means full of inner light. My father's name is Jayant it means endless or infinite victory.
Examples of names based on God are Hari, Lakshmi, and Rama. These originate from cultural beliefs and values. Each god is known for a certain quality: e.g., Lakshmi represents wealth, while Rama stands for courage and discipline.
Role model names are somebody else’s name. For instance, my dad, Jayant, is named after a famous scientist named Jayant Naralikar. Role model names usually came when your parents either like the person, or they want you to have one or more of his/her quality.
Names can also come from plants, flowers or animals. These names are like Sher, which means tiger, and Padma, which means lotus. An admired quality is usually at the root of such a name. For instance, Sher stands for strength or courage, and Padma stands for beauty.
Name is a lifelong gift a parent gives to a child.