"fixed, immovable, constant"
Dhruva
The eternal North Star of Hindu mythology
Meaning & Origin
"the North Star, Polaris"
The Story of Dhruva
Dhruva comes from the Sanskrit word 'dhruva' (ध्रुव), meaning 'fixed,' 'immovable,' or 'constant.' In Hindu mythology, Dhruva is the name of a young prince who, despite being dismissed by his father King Uttanapada, performed intense meditation and devotion to Vishnu. Pleased by his extraordinary piety, Vishnu placed Dhruva in the sky as the Pole Star (Polaris), forever fixed and constant — hence the name became synonymous with steadfastness and the North Star.
Dhruva and its shorter form Dhruv have been consistently popular in India for centuries, especially in Hindu families. In recent decades, Dhruv has become particularly popular in urban India, while Dhruva is more common in South India. The name is gaining visibility internationally as Indian diaspora communities grow.
The story of Dhruva is one of the most beloved tales in Hindu scripture (Bhagavata Purana), teaching devotion, perseverance, and divine grace. Naming a son Dhruva expresses the hope that he will be steadfast, morally fixed, and as reliable as the North Star that sailors and travelers have depended on for navigation.
Fun Facts
- Dhruva is the Sanskrit name for Polaris, the North Star
- The story of Dhruva appears in the Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana, two of Hinduism's most important texts
- Dhruva is still visible in the night sky — look north to find Polaris, the fixed star
Dhruva in Other Languages
Famous People Named Dhruva
Dhruv Vikram
Actor
1997
Indian film actor who debuted in the Tamil film Adithya Varma (2019)
Dhruv Rathee
Entertainer
1994
Indian YouTuber and political commentator with millions of subscribers
Dhruva (Hindu mythology) Fictional
Religious
Young prince-devotee of Vishnu in Hindu scripture, placed in the sky as the Pole Star
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,797
- Total SSA Count
- 46
- Cultural Origins
- Indian Hindu Nepali Sri Lankan
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dhruva
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About the Name Dhruva
Dhruva is a boy name with Indian, Hindu, Nepali, and Sri Lankan origins . The name means "fixed, immovable, constant" in Sanskrit .
Dhruva is currently ranked #2,797 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dhruva has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dhruva include Dhruv. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dhruva include Dhruv . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.