Atharva

Atharva is a masculine given name of Indian origin, derived from the Atharva Veda, the fourth of the classical Hindu scriptures. The name is traditionally associated with the sage Atharva and with the broader Atharvan tradition in Vedic lore.

The Atharva Veda contains hymns, charms, prayers, and spells aimed at everyday life, including health, protection, marriage, agriculture, and prosperity. Its material emphasizes practical rites and folk beliefs rather than the grand sacrificial rituals found in the other Vedas. Written in Vedic Sanskrit, the text is generally dated to the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age, with layers added over time.

In contemporary usage, Atharva is a common given name for boys in India and among Indian communities abroad. The name is often associated with knowledge, healing, and traditional spirituality. Variants and spellings such as Atharwa and Atharvar are encountered, though Atharva is the most common transliteration in English-language contexts.

The Atharva Veda remains one of the four canonical Vedas in Hinduism and is studied for its hymns addressing health, protection, daily life, and practical wisdom. It has influenced later Hindu ritual practices, medical traditions, and various strands of folk belief, reflecting a blend of scholarly, magical, and devotional elements within the broader Vedic tradition.