Gangadhar

Gangadhar meaning

Gangadhar (गंगाधर) is a Hindu boy's name of Sanskrit origin.

Supporter of the Ganges, a name of Shiva; also the ocean

Also used to mean: holder of the Ganga, Lord Shiva

Gangadhar (गंगाधर) joins Gaṅgā, the river Ganges, and dhara, "bearing" or "holding". Monier-Williams gives two senses: "Ganges-receiver", the ocean, and "Ganges-supporter", a name of Śiva. It explains the legend: when the Ganges came down from heaven it landed first on Śiva's head and stayed tangled in his hair for a long time, a story told in the Ramayana. Name lists give it as "holder of the Ganga" or Lord Shiva, which matches the dictionary. It is a traditional name used in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

In Hindu tradition this is a name of Shiva.

Source: Monier-Williams, Sanskrit–English Dictionary (1899), p. 341 · entry gaṅgādhara · See the entry · checked 25 Oct 2026

References: Monier-Williams, gaṅgādhara, p. 341

Fits your syllable

First sound ग

Dhanishta nakshatra, pada 1 · Makar rashi

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

Spellings

Gangadhar · Gangadhara · Gangaadhar

Related names

Also meaning god

Also starting with Gan-

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