Pranavi

What does Pranavi mean?

Pranavi means ‘of Om’: it is a feminine formation from Sanskrit praṇava, the term for the sacred syllable. Monier-Williams documents that underlying word with Vedic citations and a connection to humming or reverberation. The available evidence does not record Praṇavī as a separate classical headword. Its ee ending is a modern feminine formation, so the source supports the Om association rather than an ancient attestation of this exact name.

Source: Monier-Williams Sanskrit dictionary, प्रणव. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

प्रणवी is read pra-na-vee, in three syllables with a long final vowel. Keep p and r together at the beginning. The n is made with the tongue curled back. The dictionary source प्रणव, praṇava, has a different ending, which matters when looking up the root.