Telugu Astrology · Baby Naming
నామకరణం
Namakaranam — Baby Naming by Birth Star
27 nakshatras · 4 padas each · 108 auspicious aksharas
Select your baby's Janma Nakshatra (birth star) below to find the auspicious starting syllable for their name.
అన్ని నక్షత్రాల అక్షరాలు
Quick reference — all 27 nakshatras and their 4 aksharas
నామకరణం ఎలా జరుగుతుంది?
How does Namakaranam work?
Determine Janma Nakshatra
The baby's birth star is determined by the Moon's longitude at the exact time of birth. A Jyotishi or panchangam software calculates the nakshatra from the birth date, time, and place.
Find the Pada (Quarter)
Each nakshatra has 4 padas of 3°20′ each. The Moon's exact degree within the nakshatra tells which pada the baby is born in — each pada has its own specific akshara.
Choose the Akshara
The prescribed akshara (starting syllable) for that nakshatra-pada is traditionally the first syllable of the baby's name. This is called the "Naama Akshara" or "Janma Akshara".
The Ceremony
Namakaranam is performed on the 10th or 11th day after birth, or on an auspicious date. The family priest whispers the name in the baby's right ear and writes the akshara in raw rice.
Why 108 Aksharas?
27 nakshatras × 4 padas = 108 total aksharas — which is why 108 is sacred in Hinduism (108 beads on a mala, 108 Upanishads, 108 names of deities).
Vyavaharika Nama
The nakshatra-based name is the formal "Jyotish nama". Many families also give a common-use name (vyavaharika nama) that may differ — but the akshara is preserved in the Jyotish name.
Consult a Jyotishi for precise pada
The nakshatra and pada depend on the Moon's exact longitude at birth. Birth time accuracy matters — even a 10-minute difference can change the pada. Use this page as a guide, but confirm the Janma Nakshatra and pada with a qualified Jyotishi or trusted panchangam software using the exact birth details.
Know the baby's birth details?
Generate a Kundali (birth chart) to find the exact Janma Nakshatra, Lagna, and Dasha periods.