MuralI

Murali is a masculine given name used in India and surrounding regions. It is commonly found in South Asian languages such as Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu, and often appears as a stand-alone name as well as a shortened form of longer names like Muralidharan, Muralikrishna, or Murali Krishna. The name is widely used in the Indian diaspora.

The etymology of Murali is linked to the Sanskrit word meaning flute. In Hindu mythology, murali refers to Krishna’s flute, an instrument associated with divine music and spiritual symbolism. Because of this association, the name carries connotations of artistry, grace, and charm in many communities.

Usage and variations: Murali is typically given to boys and can also be encountered as part of compound names or, less commonly, as a surname in some families. Spelling variants include Murli and MuralI in different linguistic contexts, though Murali remains the most common form in many Indian languages.

Notable people: The name is familiar in public life through individuals such as Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lankan cricketer commonly known as Murali, whose career includes a prolific record of wickets in Tests and ODIs. Indian actors such as Murali Sharma are also associated with the given name, reflecting its broad usage across Indian cinema and television.

See also: Murli (variant spelling), Muralidharan, Muralikrishna, Krishna’s flute in Hindu iconography.