Meaning & History
Shiv is a Northern Indian form of Shiva. The name derives from the Sanskrit śiva, meaning "benign, kind, auspicious". In Hindu mythology, Shiva is the god of destruction and restoration, often depicted with four arms, a third eye, and a serpent around his neck. He is considered the supreme being in Shaivism, one of the major denominations of Hinduism, while in Vaishnavism he is viewed as a demigod subordinate to Vishnu. Though he does not appear in the Vedas, Shiva incorporates elements of the Vedic storm god Rudra. He is the husband of Parvati and the father of Ganesha and Kartikeya.
Etymology and Variants
The name Shiv is a common masculine given name in India, particularly in Punjabi, Hindi, and Marathi-speaking regions. Cognate forms include Bengali Shib and Sib, as well as Telugu Shiva and Siva.Notable Bearers
While Shiv is often used as a given name to invoke the deity, notable figures include Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray (born 1926) and Indian cricketer Shivnath "Shiv" Singh (1929-1998). The name also appears as a diminutive of the Irish female name Siobhán in Ireland.- Meaning: "Benign, kind, auspicious" (Sanskrit)
- Origin: Sanskrit
- Type: Masculine given name
- Usage Regions: Punjabi, Hindi, Marathi (India); also used in Ireland as a diminutive for Siobhán
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Shiv