Girl Name · Sanskrit Origin
Shakuntalaa
शकुंतला
Quick Answer
Shakuntalaa (शकुंतला) is a Sanskrit-origin girl's name meaning "one who was raised by birds." It is associated with Hasta nakshatra and Kanya rashi. The Chaldean numerology value is 5 (Freedom).
Meaning & Etymology
Meaning
one who was raised by birds · the bird-nurtured · she who belongs to the shakuntas · the bird-protected one
Etymology
From "shakunta" (a bird — especially the Shakunta birds who sheltered and raised the infant Shakuntala in the forest) + "-la" (she who belongs to, she who is related to). Shakuntala is one of Sanskrit literature's greatest heroines. Hasta's forest connection and Chandra's nurturing quality resonate with her bird-raised grace.
Vedic Astrology Connection
In Vedic tradition, names starting with specific syllables are prescribed for children born under each nakshatra.Shakuntalaa begins with "Sha", which corresponds to Hasta nakshatra. The ruling planet Moon influences the personality and life path of Shakuntalaa.
Numerology of Shakuntalaa
Adventurous, versatile, dynamic. Natural explorers who embrace change. Adaptable and quick-thinking in any situation.
Calculated using Chaldean numerology system: each letter of "Shakuntalaa" maps to a number, and the sum is reduced to a single digit (or master number 11/22). This method is rooted in ancient Babylonian numerology and widely used in Vedic practice.
At a Glance
| Name | Shakuntalaa (शकुंतला) |
| Gender | Girl |
| Meaning | one who was raised by birds, the bird-nurtured, she who belongs to the shakuntas, the bird-protected one |
| Origin | Sanskrit |
| Syllables | 4 |
| Nakshatra | Hasta |
| Rashi | Kanya |
| Numerology | 5 (Freedom) |
| Popularity | traditional |
| Region | All India, Pan-Indian |
Famous People Named Shakuntalaa
- →Shakuntala — heroine of Kalidasa's Abhijnanasakuntalam, one of the greatest works in Sanskrit literature; Shakuntala Devi — legendary Indian mathematician known as the "human computer"
Similar Names
Why This Name Fits Hasta Nakshatra
In Vedic astrology, the nakshatra (lunar mansion) at the time of birth determines which syllables are auspicious for the child's name. Hastanakshatra prescribes names starting with "Pu", "Sha", "Na", "Tha".Shakuntalaa begins with "Sha", making it a traditionally appropriate choice for children born under Hasta.
The belief is that using the correct starting syllable aligns the child's name with the vibrational energy of their birth nakshatra, creating harmony between the individual and the cosmos. This practice is recorded in the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra and is still widely followed across India.
Learn more about Hasta nakshatra →Frequently Asked Questions
What does Shakuntalaa mean?
Shakuntalaa (शकुंतला) means "one who was raised by birds, the bird-nurtured, she who belongs to the shakuntas, the bird-protected one". It is of Sanskrit origin. From "shakunta" (a bird — especially the Shakunta birds who sheltered and raised the infant Shakuntala in the forest) + "-la" (she who belongs to, she who is related to). Shakuntala is one of Sanskrit...
Which nakshatra is Shakuntalaa for?
Shakuntalaa is traditionally recommended for children born under Hasta nakshatra, as it starts with the prescribed syllable "Sha".
What is the numerology number of Shakuntalaa?
The Chaldean numerology number of Shakuntalaa is 5, which represents Freedom: Adventurous, versatile, dynamic. Natural explorers who embrace change. Adaptable and quick-thinking in any situation.
Is Shakuntalaa a popular name in India?
Shakuntalaa is considered a traditional name, particularly popular in All India, Pan-Indian.