Narayana is an ancient Indian name of Sanskrit origin that holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in Hinduism. Its literal meaning is "the one who saves or protects," which reflects the Hindu belief in the divine power of protection and salvation. Narayana is often associated with Lord Vishnu, a major deity in Hinduism who is known as the preserver of the universe. In fact, the name Narayana itself is considered to be one of the many names of Lord Vishnu.
The name Narayana is also deeply connected to the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. According to this epic, King Yudhishthira was advised by his celestial mentor, Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa, to perform a horse sacrifice (Asvamedha) to gain political power and authority. During this ritual, Lord Indra, the king of the gods, appeared disguised as a Brahmin to claim the sacrificial horse. When Yudhishthira asked for proof of his divinity, Indra revealed himself by showing his third eye. However, Yudhishthira was still unsure and requested further evidence. In response, Indra took him to a place where he could see Lord Vishnu, also known as Narayana, lying on the serpent Shesha, asleep with his consorts Lakshmi and Shachi. This story emphasizes the power and importance of the name Narayana in Hindu culture and mythology.
In India, Narayana is still commonly used as a boy's name, often bestowed upon children in hopes that they will grow up to be strong, wise, and protected by the divine powers associated with Lord Vishnu. It is also sometimes given as a middle or family name to honor the spiritual heritage of Hinduism. Although it has its roots in ancient Indian culture, the name Narayana has also gained international recognition due to the global spread of Hinduism and the increasing appreciation for its rich tradition of spirituality and mythology.
The name Narayana has been present in the United States for at least three decades, according to the available birth records. In the year 1979, there were six newborns named Narayana, and this number remained consistent with another six births recorded in 1985. After a gap of twenty years, the name resurfaced in 2006 with five more babies being named Narayana.
Overall, since 1979, a total of seventeen children have been born and given the name Narayana in the United States. This data provides insights into the naming trends and patterns over time for this particular name.