Rohit

What does Rohit mean?

Rohit means ‘red’ or ‘ruddy’, from Sanskrit rohita. Wiktionary records the color adjective, including a Rigvedic example describing horses. Monier-Williams also notes a solar use in the Atharvaveda, providing a connection with the sun. ‘Rising sun’ is more specific than that evidence establishes and should remain an interpretation. The color meaning is direct, while the solar association and the figure Rohita belong to additional textual uses.

Source: Wiktionary, रोहित. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

रोहित is read ro-hit, in two Hindi syllables with a long o and a short i. Sanskrit rohita retains a final vowel. Rohith is another spelling, using th for a t made near the teeth rather than English th. The h between the vowels is sounded.

Also spelled Rohith.

Rohit in tradition and story

Rohita is the son of King Harishchandra in the Aitareya Brahmana. His story involves a vow to Varuna, his years of wandering and the substitution of Shunahshepa. This is a narrative association separate from the color word.