Chandni

What does Chandni mean?

Chandni means ‘moonlight’ in Hindi. Wiktionary traces the word through Prakrit to Sanskrit candra, ‘moon’, and records it as a female given name. Its Sanskrit connection is therefore an inherited root, rather than evidence that Chandni is an unchanged Sanskrit word. The phrase chāndnī rāt means ‘moonlit night’, illustrating the ordinary Hindi sense. The name draws directly on that light and night imagery.

Source: Wiktionary, चाँदनी. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

चाँदनी and चांदनी are read chaand-nee, in two syllables with long vowels. Both spellings mark the nasal quality of the first vowel. Chaandni makes its length explicit; Chandani may suggest an additional middle vowel. The opening ch is lighter than the strongly breathy ch heard in some English pronunciations.

Also spelled Chandani, Chaandni.

Chandni in tradition and story

The moonlit night is a recurring image in Hindi and Urdu poetry and film song. Delhi's Chandni Chowk contains the same word; its name is traditionally explained through a pool that reflected moonlight.