Prahlad

The Meaning of Prahlad

My name is Prahlad. To say that this name made it difficult to make new friends would be an understatement. It was never easy to make a good first impression when it would take the other party two or three attempts to pronounce my name. Its meaning is a devotee of the lord and is also shared by the mythological character Prahlad (moonastro). It’s a name with a lot of history in India. However, this didn’t matter to me for much of my life. I have not lived in India for many years, so a difficult name only made it harder for me to adapt in foreign countries. Both Adam and Prahlad are two syllables, but they are worlds apart. When I was younger, I often wished to take on an easier name. However, I can’t imagine changing my name now. My identity and actions feel inextricably linked to my name. Changing my name would be giving up all I’ve done so far.

Prahlad fits me, just not in the traditional sense. In Indian mythology, Prahlad is a devotee of Vishnu, the god of preservation, against the wishes of his father (Activity Village). My brother, Hrishikesh, has the same name as an avatar of Vishnu (Wisdom Library). While I can’t imagine praying to my brother, I do respect and care for him. Although, it’s quite ominous that my parents named me after this myth. After all, Vishnu kills the father of Prahlad at the end of the myth (Activity Village). 

My parents named me Prahlad because of its mythical relationship to my brother’s name. It was so that I would always have a connection with my brother. Either that or they wanted other people to struggle with my name during introductions. I hope it was the former.

Works Cited

“Baby Name Prahlad Meaning and Astrology.” Prahlad - Meaning | Baby Name Prahlad Meaning and Horoscope, https://www.moonastro.com/babyname/baby%20name%20prahlad%20meaning.aspx. 

“Hrishikesha, Hṛṣīkeśa, Hrishika-Isha: 18 Definitions.” Wisdom Library, 31 May 2022, https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/hrishikesha. 

“The Story of Prahlad and Holika.” Activity Village, https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/the-story-of-prahlad-and-holika.