Vasudev

Vasudev is a masculine given name of Indian origin. It is commonly transliterated as Vasudev, Vasudev, or Vasudeva, and is used across several Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. The name is derived from Sanskrit elements associated with divinity, and is widely linked with the figure Vasudeva—the father of Krishna in Hindu tradition—and, in some contexts, used as an epithet for Krishna or Vishnu. The precise etymology is sometimes explained as a compound of deva (god) and vasu, with vasu referring to a progenitor or noble being.

In mythological narratives, Vasudeva is the name of Krishna’s father, a king of the Yadava clan. The form Vasudeva is also encountered as an epithet for Krishna or Vishnu in various scriptures and devotional traditions, where it denotes a divine, paternal aspect.

In contemporary practice, Vasudev remains a common given name in India and among the Indian diaspora. It is often used without a surname in informal references and frequently appears in combination with family names.

Notable individuals bearing the name include Vasudev Balwant Phadke, an Indian independence activist credited as an early organizer of resistance to British rule. The name appears across fields such as politics, arts, science, and academia, reflecting its broad cultural reach.

See also: Vasudeva, a related given name and surname.