"sun"
Origin: Sanskrit
Language: Hindi
Ravi
Pronunciation: [ r-ahv-EE ]
Does Ravi flow with your last name?
A radiant Sanskrit name meaning sun
Indian
Hindu
Sri Lankan
Nepalese
Spiritual
Classic
Earthy
Warm
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"solar deity, Surya"
Origin: Sanskrit
Language: Sanskrit
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The Story of Ravi
Ravi is a Sanskrit name meaning 'sun.' It comes from the Vedic deity Ravi, one of the names of Surya, the Hindu sun god. In Sanskrit, the sun represents enlightenment, life-giving energy, and divine power. The name has been used on the Indian subcontinent for millennia, appearing in ancient texts, epics, and religious literature as both a divine epithet and a human name.
Ravi is one of the most enduringly popular names in India and Sri Lanka, consistently appearing in the top names across Hindu communities. It gained international recognition in the 1960s and 70s through Ravi Shankar, the legendary sitar maestro who collaborated with George Harrison and brought Indian classical music to the global stage.
In Hindu tradition, Ravi is one of the twelve Adityas (solar deities) and an important name of Surya, the sun god. Sunday in Sanskrit is called 'Ravivar' (day of Ravi), making Ravi deeply embedded in the Hindu calendar and culture. The name is also popular among Sikhs and many other South Asian communities regardless of religion.
Historical Record
Ravi first appeared in US Social Security records in 1963.
Over 3,444 babies have been named Ravi in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ravi is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,215 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Sunday in Hindi/Sanskrit is called 'Ravivar' — literally 'Ravi's day'
- Ravi Shankar taught George Harrison to play sitar, creating one of music history's great cross-cultural collaborations
- Ravi is one of the 108 names of the sun god Surya in Hindu tradition
Ravi in Other Languages
Hindi
रवि
Tamil
ரவி
Telugu
రవి
Kannada
ರವಿ
Sanskrit
रवि
Sinhalese
රවී
Popularity Over Time
#1,215
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Ravi
R
Ravi (singer)
Musician
1993
South Korean rapper and music producer, member of VIXX
R
Ravi Zacharias
Religious
1946
Indian-American Christian apologist and author
R
Ravi Shankar
Musician
1920
Legendary Indian sitar maestro who introduced Indian classical music to Western audiences and mentored George Harrison
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,215
- Total SSA Count
- 166
- Cultural Origins
- Indian Hindu Sri Lankan Nepalese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Ravi
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Ravi is also used as a girl name, ranked #64894.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ravi
What does the name Ravi mean?
"sun" (from Sanskrit). "solar deity, Surya" (from Sanskrit). Ravi is a Sanskrit name meaning 'sun.' It comes from the Vedic deity Ravi, one of the names of Surya, the Hindu sun god. In Sanskrit, the sun represents enlightenment, life-giving energy, and divine power. The name has been used on the Indian subcontinent for millennia, appearing in ancient texts, epics, and religious literature as both a divine epithet and a human name.
What is the origin of the name Ravi?
Ravi has Sanskrit, Indian, Hindu, Sri Lankan, and Nepalese origins. In Sanskrit, it means "sun". In Sanskrit, it means "solar deity, Surya".
Is Ravi a boy or girl name?
Ravi is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1215. As a girl name, it is ranked #64894. Ravi is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Ravi?
Ravi is pronounced r-ahv-EE.
How popular is the name Ravi?
Ravi is currently ranked #1215 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Ravi?
Popular middle name pairings include Ravi Kumar, Ravi Singh, Ravi Nair, Ravi Shankar, Ravi Das, and Ravi Prasad.
What are good sibling names for Ravi?
Names that pair well with Ravi as siblings include Priya, Arjun, Ananya, Vikram, Divya, and Kiran.
How many syllables does Ravi have?
Ravi has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Ravi a common or rare name?
Ravi is an uncommon name, ranked #1215 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Ravi?
Are there other spellings for Ravi?
Related spellings include Raven.
About the Name Ravi
Ravi is a boy name with Indian, Hindu, Sri Lankan, and Nepalese origins . The name means "sun" in Sanskrit .
Is Ravi a boy or girl name? Ravi is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,215 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #64,894. Ravi is more commonly used as a boy name.
Ravi is currently ranked #1,215 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Ravi has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-ahv-EE, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Ravi include Raven . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis