In Vedic tradition a baby is often named with the sound of the Nakshatra the Moon occupied at birth. Ardra is associated with intensity, change, sharp intellect, ruled by Rahu and symbolised by a teardrop. Its starting sounds are Ku, Gha, Na, Chha. Below are names for each pada with their meanings.
Pada 1: names starting with “Ku” (Moon in Gemini)
9 names for babies born with the Moon in Ardra pada 1. Pada 1 names in full →
Boy names
- Kunal lotus; a son of Emperor Ashoka
- Kumar prince, boy
- Kuber god of wealth
- Kushal skilled
- Kundan pure gold
- Kush son of Lord Rama
Girl names
- Kusum flower
- Kumud water lily
- Kumari maiden
Pada 2: names starting with “Gha” (Moon in Gemini)
1 names for babies born with the Moon in Ardra pada 2.
Boy names
- Ghanshyam dark like a rain cloud, Krishna
Closest-sound names
Few traditional names begin exactly with “Gha”. Families often choose a name with the nearest sound:
- Gauri fair; Parvati
- Gargi a Vedic woman sage
Pada 3: names starting with “Na” (Moon in Gemini)
9 names for babies born with the Moon in Ardra pada 3. Pada 3 names in full →
Boy names
- Naman salutation, bow
- Nakul one of the Pandavas
- Narayan Lord Vishnu
- Nayan eye
- Naveen new
Girl names
- Naina eyes
- Nandini the daughter of Kamadhenu; delightful
- Navya new, praiseworthy
- Nalini lotus
Pada 4: names starting with “Chha” (Moon in Gemini)
2 names for babies born with the Moon in Ardra pada 4.
Girl names
- Chhaya shade; Surya's wife
- Chhavi image, beauty
More about Ardra
See famous people born in Ardra, find your own Nakshatra with the free calculator, or explore the auspicious birth date guides.
Frequently asked questions
Which letters are for Ardra Nakshatra?
Babies born in Ardra Nakshatra traditionally get a name starting with Ku, Gha, Na, Chha — one sound for each of the four padas.
Which Moon sign does Ardra belong to?
Ardra falls in Gemini. Each pada can sit in a specific sign, shown above next to its starting sound.
How do I find my baby’s Nakshatra?
It depends on where the Moon was at the exact moment of birth. Enter the date, time and place in the free Nakshatra calculator.
Starting sounds follow the most widely used North-Indian tradition; some regions and families use slightly different syllables, so check with your family priest or astrologer if a specific tradition matters to you. The Nakshatra depends on the Moon’s position at the exact birth time, place and date.