Dilip

Dilip meaning

Dilip (दिलीप) is a Hindu boy's name of Sanskrit origin.

Name of several kings, notably an ancestor of Rama

Also used to mean: protector, protector of Delhi

Dilip (दिलीप) is the Sanskrit Dilīpa, a royal name. Monier-Williams records it for several kings, above all Rāma's ancestor of the solar line, the son of Aṃśumat and father of Bhagīratha, who brought the Ganga down to earth. Another King Dilīpa of the same line opens Kalidasa's Raghuvamsha, serving the sacred cow Nandinī to win a son, Raghu. Monier-Williams suggests, with a question mark, that the name may come from dilī, Delhi, and pa, "protector", which is where the popular gloss "protector of Delhi" comes from; the origin is really uncertain. Readings from Persian dil, "heart", are folk explanations. The actor Dilip Kumar made the name famous in modern India.

Source: Monier-Williams, Sanskrit–English Dictionary (1899), p. 478 · entry dilīpa · See the entry · checked 25 Oct 2026

References: Monier-Williams, dilīpa, p. 478 · Wikipedia, Dilipa · Wikipedia, Dilip Kumar

Famous namesakes

• Dilipa, king of the solar dynasty and ancestor of Rama
• Dilip Kumar, Hindi film actor

Fits your syllable

First sound दि

Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra, pada 4 · Meen rashi

This exact sound isn't in the table; the closest is दी, which differs only in vowel length. North Indian table. Tables vary by region and family tradition, so confirm with your priest.

Spellings

Dilip · Dileep · Dalip

Related names

Also meaning leader

Also starting with Dil-

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