Varun
MeaningVedic god of waters · Sanskrit
Varun is an Indian boy name meaning “Vedic god of waters”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- GenerationVarun peaked in 2004, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Varun you'd meet today is about 21 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Varun would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 113,636 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryVarun first shows up in US birth records in 1981, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 44 years since.
US births per million boys, 1981–2025
Similar names
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Varun
Varun is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “Vedic god of waters”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the consonant at the end gives it a confident finish. It hit its peak in the 2000s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Indian names
More Indian boy names
- Unisex name: Makai · toward the sea
- Boy name: Arjun · bright, shining
- Boy name: Zain · beauty, grace
- Unisex name: Idris · possibly studious
- Boy name: Aarav · peaceful, calm
- Unisex name: Rohan · ascending
- Unisex name: Aryan · noble
- Boy name: Ishaan · lord, ruler
Questions about the name Varun
What does the name Varun mean?
Varun means “Vedic god of waters” and comes from Sanskrit. Names built around “God” have been loved for generations, and give a child a meaning worth sharing when someone asks about their name. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Theodore (“gift of God”), Elijah (“my God is Yahweh”), Mateo (“gift of God”) and Elias (“my God is Yahweh”).
What is the origin of the name Varun?
Varun is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Makai (“toward the sea”), Arjun (“bright, shining”), Zain (“beauty, grace”) and Idris (“possibly studious”).
Is Varun a boy or girl name?
Varun is a boy name. In 2025, 15 US boys were named Varun.
How popular is the name Varun?
Varun ranked #5,861 for US boys in 2025, given to 15 babies. Its best year was 2004, when it reached #1,090. Over the last five years it has slipped 2,050 places.
What names are similar to Varun?
If you like Varun, you might also like Theodore, Elijah, Mateo and Elias.
What should I know before naming my baby Varun?
Varun is an Indian boy name meaning “Vedic god of waters”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.