Mahadev

Mahadev meaning

Mahadev (महादेव) is a Hindu boy's name of Sanskrit origin.

The great god; epithet of Rudra-Shiva, also of Vishnu

Also used to mean: Lord Shiva

Mahadev (महादेव) is Sanskrit mahādeva, "the great god", from mahā, "great", and deva, "god". Monier-Williams records it as a title of Rudra and Shiva, and of one of Shiva's eight forms, and less often of Vishnu. It is a name by which Shiva is called on in everyday devotion, in the cry "Har Har Mahadev" and in countless temple names. Name lists give "great god" or "Lord Shiva", matching the dictionary. Bearers include the social reformer and judge Mahadev Govind Ranade and Mahadev Desai, Gandhi's personal secretary.

In Hindu tradition this is a name of Shiva.

Source: Monier-Williams, Sanskrit–English Dictionary (1899), p. 796 · entry mahā-deva · See the entry · checked 25 Oct 2026

References: Monier-Williams, mahā-deva, p. 796 · Wikipedia, Mahadev Govind Ranade · Wikipedia, Mahadev Desai

Famous namesakes

• Mahadev Govind Ranade, judge and social reformer
• Mahadev Desai, Mahatma Gandhi's personal secretary

Fits your syllable

First sound म

Magha nakshatra, pada 1 · Simha rashi

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

Spellings

Mahadev · Mahadeva

Related names

Also meaning god

Also starting with Mah-

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