Kumari

Meaning & Etymology

young unmarried girl or princess

young unmarried girl or princess

Etymology

Derived from the Sanskrit word kumārī, meaning ‘young girl’ or ‘virgin’.

Linguistic family: Indo-European > Indo-Iranian > Indo-Aryan

Cultural context

In Mauritius, where Hinduism is a significant religion, the name Kumari is commonly used and reflects traditional Hindu values and cultural heritage.

Symbolism

The name Kumari symbolises purity, youth, and the potential for greatness, often associated with the divine feminine.

Naming ceremony

In Hindu Mauritian culture, the naming ceremony, known as Namkaran, is performed on the 11th day after the baby’s birth. The priest selects a name based on the child’s horoscope and the first letter is often determined by the position of the moon at the time of birth.

Related names

• Kumara
• Kumar
• Kumari
• Kumaran