In Hindu astrology, your child's name often begins with a letter determined by Rashi (Moon sign) or Nakshatra (birth star). This isn't just tradition — families believe a name aligned with celestial energies supports the child's life journey.
What is Rashi?
Rashi is the Vedic Moon sign based on the exact time and location of birth. Each of the 12 Rashis corresponds to specific starting syllables for names. Here's a quick reference for 2026:
| Rashi (Hindi) | Rashi (English) | Common syllables |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh | Aries | A, La, Chu, Che, Cho |
| Vrishabha | Taurus | U, Wa, Vi, Vo, We |
| Mithuna | Gemini | Ka, Chha, Gha, Kee |
| Karka | Cancer | Hee, Hoo, He, Ho, Da |
| Simha | Leo | Ma, Mi, Mu, Me, Mo |
| Kanya | Virgo | To, Pa, Pi, Pu, Sha |
| Tula | Libra | Ra, Ri, Ru, Re, Ro |
| Vrishchika | Scorpio | Na, Ya, Yi, Yu, Ye, Yo |
| Dhanu | Sagittarius | Ye, Yo, Bha, Bhi, Bhu |
| Makara | Capricorn | Bho, Ja, Ji, Ju, Je, Jo |
| Kumbha | Aquarius | Gu, Ge, Go, Sa, Si, Su, Se, So |
| Meena | Pisces | Di, Du, Tha, Jha, De, Do, Cha |
Popular baby names by Rashi
Nakshatra: a deeper layer
Nakshatra (27 birth stars) gives an even more specific guideline, with each Nakshatra having 4 padas (quarters), each mapped to a specific syllable. Many families consult a priest to get the exact syllable for their child.
Should I pick a name by Rashi alone?
Rashi-based naming is a starting filter, not a hard rule. Many parents choose a name with an appropriate starting letter but also prioritize meaning, cultural fit, and pronunciation.
Our recommendation: use Rashi to narrow the universe of names, then filter by meaning and sound harmony.
Explore our complete Hindu names collection →