Amitav

Amitav is a masculine given name used primarily in the Indian subcontinent. It is most common in India and among Bengali- and Hindi-speaking communities, with presence in Nepal and Bangladesh as well. The name is encountered in various Indian languages and in diaspora communities around the world.

Etymology and meaning: The name is of Sanskrit origin and is often associated with the root amit, meaning "infinite" or "boundless." As a given name, Amitav is typically interpreted to convey a sense of vast potential or expansiveness.

Usage and demographics: Amitav is used across religious and ethnic groups in South Asia. It is found among Hindus and Muslims, and it appears in both urban and rural communities. In diaspora populations, the name can be observed among people of Indian and Bangladeshi heritage in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and other regions.

Notable people: One prominent bearer of the name is Amitav Ghosh (born 1956), an Indian writer acclaimed for his imaginative and historical novels. His works include the Ibis Trilogy—Sea of Poppies, River of Smoke, and Flood of Fire—which explore transoceanic trade, empire, and cultural exchange in the 19th century.

See also: Related given names include Amit, which shares the same Sanskrit root and broader cultural associations.