Lord Krishna Names: Meaning, Rashi & Stories Behind the Names
This collection of Lord Krishna names delves into the deeper meanings behind each name, the associated Rashi (zodiac sign), and the mythological stories that reveal Krishna’s divine nature. Whether you are naming your newborn or seeking a spiritual name with powerful roots, each name here is infused with timeless relevance, celestial charm, and rich narratives from the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana.
Explore the divine essence of Lord Krishna through names that echo his playful, philosophical, and protective nature.
Lord Krishna Names with Meaning, Rashi & Stories
| Name | Meaning | Rashi | Story Behind the Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murlidhar | The one who holds the flute | Vrishabha (Taurus) | Krishna enchanted the Gopis of Vrindavan with the divine sound of his flute (Murli). |
| Govind | Protector of cows; Lord of senses | Makara (Capricorn) | Krishna as a cowherd boy in Gokul protected cows and became beloved as Govind. |
| Madhav | Sweet like honey; another name of Vishnu | Simha (Leo) | Symbolizes Krishna’s charming and irresistible nature. |
| Keshav | Slayer of Kesi (demon) | Mithuna (Gemini) | Krishna killed the demon Kesi who was sent by Kansa, earning him the name Keshav. |
| Gopal | Cow protector, nurturer | Karka (Cancer) | Krishna, as a child, tended to cows lovingly in Vrindavan, showing his nurturing side. |
| Vasudev | Son of Vasudev | Tula (Libra) | Born to Vasudev and Devaki in Mathura, Krishna was known as Vasudev’s son. |
| Shyam | Dark-complexioned divine one | Vrischika (Scorpio) | Krishna's enchanting dark blue complexion earned him the name Shyam. |
| Banke Bihari | The playful lord who bends with charm | Meena (Pisces) | “Banke” means bent (in three places), “Bihari” means wanderer—depicting Krishna’s playful stance with the flute. |
| Kanhaiya | Affectionate name of Krishna | Kumbha (Aquarius) | A loving name used by Yashoda and villagers for young Krishna. |
| Nandlal | Son of Nanda Maharaj | Dhanu (Sagittarius) | Raised by Nanda in Gokul, Krishna was lovingly called Nandlal. |
