Narayan

Narayan is a name of Indian origin used as both a given name and a surname. It derives from Sanskrit Nārāyaṇa, commonly interpreted as "refuge of man" or "abode of Vishnu." In Hinduism, Narayana is an epithet of the god Vishnu and is used in devotional and liturgical contexts.

The spelling Narayan has several variants, including Narayanan, Narain, and Narayana, reflecting different transliterations from regional languages. The name is widely used across India and among the Indian diaspora, with particular prevalence in Hindi-, Tamil-, Malayalam-, and Kannada-speaking communities.

Notable individuals with the name include the writer R. K. Narayan (1906–2001), a foundational figure in Indian English literature known for his Malgudi novels; and N. R. Narayana Murthy (born 1946), the co-founder of Infosys. The name also appears in various other fields, as a first or last name, across South Asia and in countries with Indian influence.

In summary, Narayan functions as both a personal name and a cultural marker, linked to Sanskrit origins, Hindu religious tradition, and a range of public figures in literature, business, and beyond.