Krishna is known by hundreds of names and each one tells us something about him.
Some names come from his childhood adventures, some from the people he loved, and others from the roles he played. Kanha, Govinda, Muralidhar, Makhan Chor, Giridhar, each name opens the door to another little piece of Krishna's story.
Here are 15 beautiful names of Krishna and the stories behind them.
1. Krishna: The Dark, Beautiful One
The name Krishna is often associated with his dark or deep-blue complexion. It is also connected with the idea of one who is irresistibly attractive, someone who draws people towards him.
2. Govinda: Protector of the Cows
As a young boy in Vrindavan, Krishna spent much of his time tending to cows and calves. Govinda reflects his close connection with them and his role as their protector.
3. Gopala: The Cowherd
Gopala literally refers to a protector or caretaker of cows. It brings us back to Krishna's childhood in Gokul and Vrindavan, where he lived a simple, playful life among the cowherds.
4. Madhava: The One Connected with Lakshmi
Madhava is a beautiful name with several traditional meanings. It is often associated with Maa Lakshmi, and also with the sweetness and beauty of spring. It is a name that reflects Krishna's divine nature.
5. Keshava: The Slayer of Keshi
This name comes from one of Krishna's childhood adventures. When the demon Keshi, disguised as a terrifying horse, came to Vrindavan, Krishna defeated him. And so, Krishna became known as Keshava.
6. Kanha / Kanhaiya: Krishna, the Beloved Child
Kanha and Kanhaiya are affectionate names for Krishna, especially popular in North India. They bring to life the little Krishna of Gokul: playful, lovable and always getting into a little mischief.
7. Muralidhar: The Bearer of the Flute
Krishna's flute is almost as iconic as Krishna himself. Muralidhar means the one who holds or plays the murali, or flute. His flute is said to have enchanted everyone around him, from people to animals and even nature itself.
8. Makhan Chor: The Butter Thief
One of the most playful names for Krishna! As a child, Krishna was famously fond of butter and would sneak into homes with his friends to steal it. Makhan Chor, or “butter thief,” captures the mischievous little Krishna children love.
9. Natkhat Nandlal: The Mischievous Son of Nanda
Nandlal means the beloved son of Nanda, Krishna's foster father, while natkhat means mischievous. Together, the name paints a wonderfully familiar picture: little Krishna getting into trouble, playing pranks and keeping everyone around him on their toes.
10. Yashodanandan: Beloved Son of Yashoda
To Maa Yashoda, Krishna was not a god or a divine figure, he was simply her little boy. Yashodanandan means the son of Yashoda and celebrates the beautiful bond between mother and child.
11. Damodara: The One with the Rope Around His Waist
One of Krishna's most beloved childhood stories tells of Yashoda trying to tie him up after one of his mischievous adventures. She eventually tied him around the waist with a rope, giving Krishna the name Damodara.
12. Giridhar: The One Who Held Up Govardhan
When the people of Vrindavan faced torrential rain, Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger and sheltered the villagers beneath it. From this extraordinary story came the name Giridhar, meaning the one who holds the mountain.
13. Shyamsundar: Beautiful Krishna of the Dark Hue
Shyamsundar combines Shyam, referring to Krishna's dark or blue-hued complexion, with Sundar, meaning beautiful. It is a name that captures the enchanting image of Krishna that appears in Indian art and stories.
14. Dwarkadhish: Lord of Dwarka
Krishna's life didn't remain in the forests of Vrindavan. Later, he became the king and protector of Dwarka, giving him the name Dwarkadhish, or “Lord of Dwarka.”
15. Parthasarathi: Charioteer of Arjuna
Perhaps one of the most unexpected roles Krishna played was that of a charioteer. During the Mahabharata, he became Arjuna's charioteer and guide on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This is the Krishna who shares the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.
One Krishna, Many Stories
From Kanha, the playful child, to Giridhar, who lifted a mountain, and Parthasarathi, who guided Arjuna, every name reveals a different side of Krishna.
And that's what makes Krishna's stories so wonderful for children. There is always another story, another name and another little bit of magic to discover.
This Janmashtami, let your little one discover Krishna in simple, joyful ways: through his stories, the soothing sound of his mantras, and little moments of listening and wonder. A WonderBuddy Krishna plushie to cuddle or a devotional audiobook like Let’s Sing for Our Gods to listen to can be a gentle first introduction to these timeless sounds and stories.
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