Origin
Sanskrit origin, derived from the name 'Keshava' which appears in ancient Indian scriptures such as the Mahabharata and the Vishnu Purana, meaning 'Lord of the hair' or 'Having long/beautiful hair'. In Indian tradition, it is associated with Lord Vishnu.
Meaning
Literal translation is 'Lord of the hair' or 'Beautiful hair'. In the Australian context, it often signifies spirituality and reverence, especially among those interested in Indian culture or Hindu spirituality.
Pronunciation
'keh-shahv' (Australian English pronunciation, with emphasis on the first syllable) signifies a smooth, rounded vowel articulation typical in Australian accents.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Keshav (standard form)
- Keshava (full form in Sanskrit)
- Kesava (alternate spelling)
Nicknames
- Kesh
- Shav
Name Days
- Monthly observances in Hindu calendar, no specific Australian secular celebration.
- Hindu festivals such as Janmashtami (celebration of Lord Krishna's birth) which may be observed by Indian communities in Australia (e.g., '12 August (Janmashtami)').
- Māori celebrations are not associated with this name.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with keshav:
- Arjun and Keshav
- Ravi and Keshav
- Anika and Keshav
Fun Facts
- Keshav is a popular Hindu name among Indian-Australian communities, often chosen for its spiritual significance.
- The name has been used for characters in Australian literature depicting multicultural identities.
- There are Indian restaurants named after this name reflecting its cultural roots.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name keshav:
- Spiritual
- Respectful
- Traditional
- Thoughtful
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a balanced, flowing visual appeal, with symmetrical letters and a calm, feminine shape in written form, making it suitable for diverse aesthetic preferences.
Geographical Distribution
More common in metropolitan centres with Indian and South Asian communities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, gradually spreading into other urban parts of Australia.
Numerological Significance
Name Number 9, indicating a person with a compassionate, humanitarian, and idealist nature according to numerology. They often seek meaningful life purposes.
Astrological Connections
Associated with the zodiac signs of Virgo and Cancer, symbolising service and emotion, amplifying the spiritual resonance of the name for individuals born under these signs.
Historical Context
The name is rooted in Indian mythology and spirituality, often associated with Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Australian ethnic communities, especially those from India, have preserved and introduced this name into broader Australian society through literature, media, and cultural festivals.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across various scripts, appearing as Keshav in Latin script, with phonetic adaptations in Devanagari (केशव) and other Indian scripts. In non-Indian contexts, it often preserves pronunciation.
Famous People Named keshav
- Keshav Maharaj (Cricketer)
- Keshav Dhar (Musician and producer, member of the band 'Kaleidoscope')
- Keshav (character in Australian literature representing multicultural identity)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |