Venu

Venu is a male given name of Indian origin derived from the Sanskrit word venu, meaning flute or reed. In several Indian languages, the word venu is the common term for a flute, and the name evokes musical imagery and the association with Krishna, whose divine flute is a popular motif in Hindu art and literature. The name is most prevalent in South Indian communities, especially among Telugu- and Kannada-speaking populations, but it is also found across other regions and in the Indian diaspora.

As a given name, Venu is typically used for boys but can be encountered in varying contexts depending on language and family tradition. It may also appear as a shortened form of longer names that incorporate the syllable venu or as a personal name in its own right. In cultural usage, Venu frequently appears in poetry, cinema, and music as a representation of artistry, communication, and the rural or natural world suggested by the flute.

Beyond as a personal name, venu denotes the instrument itself in linguistic contexts and is listed in dictionaries and musicological texts when discussing traditional wind instruments used in classical Indian music, including Carnatic and Hindustani traditions.

Notable people with the name are from various fields in India, including industry, academia, and the arts, reflecting the name's continued usage in contemporary society.