IPA Pronunciation

/bəˈnɑːrəs/

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Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is derived from the names of two rivers, Varuna and Assi, that flow through the city. It is an ancient city in India, revered as a spiritual and religious center for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The name symbolizes holiness, enlightenment, and cultural richness.

Cultural Significance of Banaras

Banaras (Varanasi) is one of the world's oldest living cities and a major pilgrimage site in India. It is famed for its ghats on the Ganges River, spiritual rituals, and as a center of learning and classical music. The name carries deep religious and cultural connotations, symbolizing life, death, and rebirth.

Banaras Name Popularity in 2025

Today, the name Banaras is less common as a personal name but remains iconic as a symbol of Indian heritage and spirituality. It is often chosen by parents seeking a unique name with deep cultural roots, reflecting a connection to tradition and sacred geography.

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Popular Nicknames10

BanaRasNariBaniNasuRazuBanoNaraB-RasBan
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International Variations10

VaranasiBanarasiBenaresBanarasaVārāṇasīBanarashBanarassBanaresBanarazBanarsi

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Name Energy & Essence

The name Banaras carries the essence of “Sacred city; spiritual and cultural hub” from Sanskrit/Hindi tradition. Names beginning with "B" often embody qualities of stability, nurturing, and groundedness.

Symbolism

Cultural Significance

Banaras (Varanasi) is one of the world's oldest living cities and a major pilgrimage site in India. It is famed for its ghats on the Ganges River, spiritual rituals, and as a center of learning and classical music. The name carries deep religious and cultural connotations, symbolizing life, death, and rebirth.

Banarasidas

A 17th-century Jain poet and businessman known for his autobiography and contributions to Hindi literature.

Balwant Singh of Banaras

Ruler of the Kingdom of Banaras in the 18th century, known for his military and political influence in the region.

Banarasi Das

An Indian politician who served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, influential in the mid-20th century.

Banaras Hindu University founder Madan Mohan Malaviya

Though not named Banaras, he founded the university that is central to the city's education and culture.

Banarasidas Chaturvedi

Famous Hindi writer and scholar who contributed to modern Hindi literature.

Banaras Iyengar

Noted scholar and linguist from the Banaras region.

Banaras Prasad Singh

Indian freedom fighter and social reformer from Varanasi region.

Banaras Tiwari

Prominent artist and cultural historian associated with Banaras.

Banaras

🌐Spanish

Banaras

🌐French

Banaras

🌐German

Banaras

🌐Italian

バナラス (Banarasu)

🌐Japanese

巴纳拉斯 (Bānàlāsī)

🌐Chinese

باناراس

🌐Arabic

Fun Fact About Banaras

Banaras is often called the 'City of Light' because of its bright spiritual significance and the many lamps lit on the ghats along the Ganges River.

Personality Traits for Banaras

Individuals named Banaras are often seen as spiritual, wise, and deeply connected to their cultural roots. They may exhibit traits of introspection, creativity, and a calm demeanor, with a natural inclination toward leadership and cultural preservation.

What does the name Banaras mean?

Banaras is a Sanskrit/Hindi name meaning “Sacred city; spiritual and cultural hub”. Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is derived from the names of two rivers, Varuna and Assi, that flow through the city. It is an ancient city in India, revered as a spiritual and religious center for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The name symbolizes holiness, enlightenment, and cultural richness.

How do you pronounce Banaras?

Banaras is pronounced (IPA: /bəˈnɑːrəs/). It has 2 syllables with the pattern N/A.

What are nicknames for Banaras?

Popular nicknames for Banaras include: Bana, Ras, Nari, Bani, Nasu, Razu, Bano, Nara, B-Ras, Ban.

Who are famous people named Banaras?

Famous people named Banaras include: , , , , .

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Banaras is a beautiful Sanskrit/Hindi name meaning “Sacred city; spiritual and cultural hub”. Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is derived from the names of two rivers, Varuna and Assi, that flow through the city. It is an ancient city in India, revered as a spiritual and religious center for H...

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