Meaning of Bhishma

Pronunciation: Bhishma is pronounced BHEESH-muh

Written as: भीष्म (Devanagari)

About the Name Bhishma

Bhishma is a boy name with roots in Sanskrit culture. 'He of the terrible vow' - the revered grandsire of the Mahabharata, son of Shantanu and Ganga.

In Hindu tradition, Bhishma is associated with the Dhanu rashi.

The numerology number for Bhishma is 3, reflecting the personality traits and characteristics associated with this name.

✨ Quick Name Analysis

Origin / Religionsanskrit
Genderboy
StyleShort & Modern
PopularityUncommon name in India (2025)

Details

Origin : sanskrit

Gender : boy

Nakshatra : Mula

Rashi : Dhanu

Numerology : 3

Syllables : 2

Last updated 9 November 2026 · How we research names · Report a mistake

Etymology of Bhishma

From the Sanskrit 'bhishma', meaning terrible or awe-inspiring, from the root 'bhi', to fear. In the Mahabharata, the prince Devavrata took this name after his terrible vow of lifelong celibacy and renouncing the throne, so that his father could marry Satyavati.

Variants and related forms of Bhishma

Notable people named Bhishma

  • Bhishma: Grandsire of the Kauravas and Pandavas in the Mahabharata, son of Shantanu and Ganga.

Personality and Numerology of Bhishma

In numerology, the name Bhishma reduces to the number 3, which is most often linked to creativity, expression, optimism. A person carrying this vibration is usually expressive and socially warm - drawn to art, performance, conversation, and any setting where ideas can be shared with energy. The name Bhishma also falls under the Dhanu rashi (moon sign), traditionally described as optimistic and adventurous, with a love of ideas and travel. Its associated nakshatra is Mula.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Bhishma mean in Sanskrit?
'He of the terrible vow' - the revered grandsire of the Mahabharata, son of Shantanu and Ganga.
What is the origin of the name Bhishma?
From the Sanskrit 'bhishma', meaning terrible or awe-inspiring, from the root 'bhi', to fear. In the Mahabharata, the prince Devavrata took this name after his terrible vow of lifelong celibacy and renouncing the throne, so that his father could marry Satyavati.
How do you pronounce Bhishma?
Bhishma is pronounced BHEESH-muh.
Is Bhishma a boy or girl name?
Bhishma is a boy name. It belongs to the Dhanu rashi.
What is the rashi of the name Bhishma?
The rashi (moon sign) of the name Bhishma is Dhanu. Its nakshatra is Mula.
What is the numerology number of Bhishma?
The numerology number for the name Bhishma is 3. Numerology associates this number with specific personality traits and a distinct life path.

More boy names starting with B

  • BhautikFrom 'bhautika', 'material, physical, of the elements'; also an epithet of Lord Shiva.
  • BhaskarFrom the Sanskrit 'bhaskara', 'the maker of light' - the Sun; also brilliant and…
  • Bala GovindYoung cowherd, infant Krishna.
  • Badri Prasad'A gift bestowed by Badri (Lord Vishnu of Badrinath)'.
  • BikramFrom the Sanskrit 'vikrama' - valour, prowess, the heroic stride; also an epithet of…
  • BhushanFrom the Sanskrit 'bhushana', an ornament or adornment.
  • BansilaA devotional name of Lord Krishna, associated with his flute and love of the forest.
  • BanafulFrom the Sanskrit 'vana-phula', 'a wildflower of the forest' - simple, natural beauty.

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