Origin
Sohan is of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit name 'Sohan' (सोहन), meaning 'handsome' or 'good-looking'. In Indian tradition, it is used as a given name across various regions and communities. The name has historically appeared in ancient Indian texts and has been adopted within Indian diaspora communities worldwide, including in Australia due to migration.
Meaning
Literal meaning - 'handsome' or 'good-looking'. In the Australian context, it connotes qualities of attractiveness and charm—often associated with an engaging personality and amiable disposition.
Pronunciation
/ˈsoʊhæn/ (Australian English pronunciation: SOH-han, with stress on the first syllable) — the 'o' as in 'go', the 'a' as in 'cat'.|} /* note: the second syllable's vowel is a schwa in casual speech, e.g., /ˈsoʊhən/. */
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Sohana (female variant used in India and diaspora)
- Sohanpuri (used historically in Indian communities)
- Sohann (alternative spelling)
Nicknames
- Soh
- Soni
- Sohie
Name Days
- 15 August (Feast of the Assumption; celebrated by some Indian Christian communities in Australia)
- October (Diwali celebrations in India and by Indian communities in Australia) — although not traditional 'name days', these are culturally significant days linked with Indian cultural identity within Australia.
- Islamic celebrations such as Eid (date varies; observed by Muslim Australians with Indian heritage) — also culturally significant for Muslim families.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with sohan:
- Ava and Sohan (common pairing in multicultural Australia)
- Liam and Sohan (popular Australian names combined)
- Maya and Sohan (gender-balanced pairing for siblings)
Fun Facts
- The name Sohan is also used for notable Indian actors and artists, contributing to its cultural richness.
- Sohan is a popular sweet in Indian cuisine, known as 'Sohan Papdi', although unrelated in meaning, it shares the phonetic similarity.
- In Australian multicultural festivals, 'Sohan' is sometimes used as a stage name or character name reflecting Indian heritage.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name sohan:
- Charismatic
- Attractive
- Friendly
- Artistic
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant and simple, with smooth phonetic flow, making it visually and aurally appealing in Australian English contexts. Often written in Latin script; no alternate spellings preferred.
Geographical Distribution
Most common in major Australian cities with substantial Indian communities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with lesser presence in regional centres.
Numerological Significance
Name number 9 in numerology, associated with humanitarianism, idealism, and a compassionate nature, aligning with the positive attributes of the name.
Astrological Connections
Linked to the zodiac signs of Leo and Virgo, suggesting traits of confidence, creativity, and analytical thinking—popular among Australian astrology enthusiasts.
Historical Context
The name Sohan has appeared over centuries in Indian literature and folklore, often symbolising aesthetic qualities and revered as a name linked to noble and artistic figures. In Australia, it has been borne by members of Indian, Fijian, and Nepali communities, enriching the multicultural tapestry.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across various languages; in Western languages, remains largely unchanged but may be transliterated or phonetically adapted for ease (e.g., Sohan, Sohann).
Famous People Named sohan
- Sohan Roy (Indian filmmaker and entrepreneur)
- Sohan Singh (Indian military officer, historically noted)
- Sohan Qadri (artist of Indian descent, known internationally)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2015 | 1 |
2014 | 1 |
2013 | 1 |