Ayush

What does Ayush mean?

Ayush means ‘life’ or ‘lifespan’, with Sanskrit roots. Wiktionary records life, vitality and lifespan in Hindi, including the word's use as a given name. The older Sanskrit form āyus also carries senses of vigor, health and longevity. ‘Life’ and ‘long life’ are therefore both supported associations. The same vocabulary appears in words connected with age and well-being, including Ayurveda and expressions wishing someone a long life.

Source: Wiktionary, आयुष. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

आयुष is approximately aa-yush, in two syllables with a long opening vowel. Aayush makes that length explicit. The final sh is made with the tongue curled back in the Sanskrit-based pronunciation. The older Sanskrit form āyus ends in s, a distinction useful when looking up related words.

Also spelled Aayush.

Ayush in tradition and story

Ayurveda combines the life-related word āyus with a word for knowledge. The name Ayush shares that first element; it does not by itself mean ‘knowledge of life’. Wiktionary also records Ayus as a king of the Lunar dynasty in Hindu tradition.