Garuda
Garuda Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈɡɐ.ɾu.ɖɐ/
Meaning of Garuda: Garuda (गरुड) is a Sanskrit name derived from the root gara (to swallow) or from garutman (one with powerful wings). It refers to the mythical eagle who serves as the vehicle of Vishnu in Hindu mythology.
In Hindu tradition, Garuda is the king of birds, described as having a golden body, white face, red wings, and the head of an eagle. He is the vahana (divine mount) of Vishnu and the enemy of the Nagas (serpents). His story appears in the Mahabharata and Puranas.
Garuda holds immense symbolic significance across Southeast Asia wherever Hindu and Buddhist influence reached. In Indonesia, Garuda is the national symbol and gives its name to Garuda Indonesia, the national airline. In Thailand, the Garuda emblem is used on royal and official documents.
What Does Garuda Mean? Origin & Etymology
The Garuda Purana, one of the 18 major Puranas of Hinduism, is named after him. This text deals with cosmology, astrology, and the afterlife. Garuda appears throughout Hindu art, sculpture, and architecture as a symbol of divine power, solar energy, and liberation.
As a personal name, Garuda is used in Hindu communities in India and in Indonesia and Thailand where the symbol carries national significance. The name conveys divine power, freedom, and the majesty of the eagle, though it is more commonly a cultural symbol than a personal name.
Garuda does not rank in US SSA records. The Britannica entry on Garuda covers the Hindu mythological eagle whose image has become one of the most widely recognized symbols in South and Southeast Asian cultures.
Numerology & Symbolism of Garuda
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Garuda – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Garuda
What does Garuda mean?
Garuda is Sanskrit 'to swallow, to devour' meaning uncertain; In Hinduism this is the name of the king of the birds, depicted either as a large bird or a man w....
How popular is Garuda?
Garuda is rarely used in the United States but maintains its standing in Hinduism. SSA records show no significant US ranking for this name.
How do you pronounce Garuda?
Garuda is pronounced /ˈɡɐ.ɾu.ɖɐ/. The name originates in Hinduism tradition.
What are variants of Garuda?
Garuda has no widely established international variants and remains primarily used within Hinduism tradition.