Rohini
ro-HEE-nee (the 'o' is long, like 'row')
Rohini means 'the red one,' 'ascending,' or 'a reddish-brown cow.' In Hindu mythology, Rohini is the name of a lunar asterism (nakshatra) and also the name of the most beloved wife of the moon god Chandra, as well as the mother of Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna. The name embodies beauty, fertility, and celestial grace.
At a glance
Rohini is one of the oldest and most auspicious names in the Hindu tradition, meaning 'the ascending one' or 'the red one.' As the name of the most favoured wife of the moon god Chandra and the fourth and most blessed nakshatra in Vedic astrology, it carries millennia of celestial and mythological significance.
Etymology & History
Rohini is derived from the Sanskrit root 'roh' (रोह), meaning 'to ascend,' 'to rise,' or 'to grow,' combined with the feminine suffix '-ini,' which forms adjectives and nouns denoting the quality or embodiment of the root meaning. The name therefore carries the sense of 'the ascending one' or 'she who causes growth.' In Vedic astronomy, Rohini is the fourth of the 27 nakshatras, the lunar mansions that mark the moon's monthly passage across the sky. It corresponds to the star Aldebaran, the brightest star in the Taurus constellation, known for its striking reddish hue, which explains the alternate meaning of 'the red one.' This nakshatra is considered the most auspicious in the entire Vedic astrological system, regarded as the moon's favourite dwelling place. The name also appears in the Puranas as the most beloved of the moon god Chandra's 27 wives, each wife representing one nakshatra. Rohini is the mother of Balarama, making her a figure of great significance in Vaishnava mythology. The name has been in continuous use in India for over two thousand years, testament to its enduring mythological and astronomical resonance.
Cultural Significance
Rohini occupies a rare position among Indian names: it is simultaneously a celestial body, a mythological queen, and a revered astrological designation. In Vedic astrology, being born under the Rohini nakshatra is considered extraordinarily auspicious. Lord Krishna himself is traditionally said to have been born under the Rohini nakshatra, as was Balarama, lending the asterism an especially sacred status in Vaishnava tradition. The moon god Chandra's favouritism towards Rohini among his 27 wives is the mythological explanation for why the moon spends more time near the Rohini nakshatra than any other. This story of divine love and celestial preference makes the name a particularly romantic choice. Among notable modern bearers, Rohini Hattangadi won a National Film Award for her portrayal of Kasturba Gandhi, Rohini Nilekani is one of India's most respected philanthropists, and the name remains a byword for grace and intelligence across generations.
Famous people named Rohini
Rohini Hattangadi
Acclaimed Indian actress and National Film Award winner, best known internationally for her portrayal of Kasturba Gandhi in Richard Attenborough's 'Gandhi.'
Rohini Nilekani
Indian philanthropist, author, and social entrepreneur, co-founder of Arghyam and one of India's most prominent voices on water, sanitation, and civic life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Rohini
Rishika
“Female sage, wise seer”
Rishika means 'a female sage' or 'one who belongs to the rishis (sages).' Derived from the Sanskrit root 'rishi,' referring to the ancient seers and poets of the Vedic tradition, the name carries connotations of wisdom, spiritual insight, and divine knowledge. It suggests a girl who is intellectually gifted and spiritually inclined.
Roshni
“Light, brightness, illumination”
Roshni means 'light,' 'brightness,' or 'illumination.' It is a beautiful and evocative name that symbolises hope, clarity, and the dispelling of darkness. In a spiritual sense, Roshni represents the inner light of wisdom and the divine radiance that guides one through life.
Where you'll find Rohini
Rohini shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.