Raghav

What does Raghav mean?

Raghav means ‘descendant of Raghu’, from Sanskrit rāghava, and is an epithet of Rama. Wiktionary records the lineage meaning and the Hindi given name. In Sanskrit, a dual form can refer to Rama and Lakshmana together. The name's significance comes from membership in that royal line, rather than an adjective describing character. Its association with Rama is therefore a particular use of the broader family meaning.

Source: Wiktionary, राघव. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

राघव is read raa-ghav in Hindi, with two syllables and a long opening vowel. Raghava retains the Sanskrit ending; Raaghav makes the first vowel's length explicit. The gh is a g released with a puff of breath, and the v may sound between English v and w.

Also spelled Raghava, Raaghav.

Raghav in tradition and story

Rama belongs to the Raghu dynasty in the Ramayana, where Raghava is used as his name. The same lineage gives its name to Kalidasa's Raghuvamsha, extending the connection into Sanskrit court poetry.