The other day, one of my student friends asked, "Is your name Summit, like the mountain?"
You can imagine, it’s a question I’ve been asked more than a few times. And honestly, I get it—it makes sense, right?
Who wouldn’t want a name that conjures up images of towering peaks and grand adventures? But today, I wanted to set the record straight and share the real meaning behind my name.
It’s not Summit, but Sumit, and it means "good friend."
The Meaning of "Sumit"
The name "Sumit" is of Sanskrit origin, and it carries a beautiful meaning. "Sumit" is derived from the Sanskrit words "Su," meaning "good" or "well," and "Mitra," meaning "friend."
Put together, "Sumit" can be interpreted as "a good friend" or "one who is well-versed in friendship."
You know, in India, naming a baby is more than just picking something that sounds nice. It’s a sacred ritual, almost like a mini spiritual quest. When a baby is born, the family doesn’t just flip through a baby name book or pick the latest trendy name. Oh no, this is serious business! There’s usually a whole ceremony involved, complete with consultations, astrological charts, and sometimes even a family council where everyone weighs in. It’s like the Indian version of naming a royal baby—only with a lot more incense and maybe a priest or two.
Names in India are chosen with great care because they’re believed to carry a significant weight in shaping a person’s destiny. So, when my parents named me Sumit, they weren’t just thinking, "Hey, this sounds nice!" They were imbuing me with the qualities of a "good friend," someone who is kind, trustworthy, and dependable.
No pressure, right?
And honestly, I love the meaning behind my name. Being a "good friend" is something I strive for every day, whether I’m teaching a yoga class, chatting with a student, or just going about my life. It’s a reminder to stay grounded, to be there for others, and to build connections that matter.
So, while I might not be named after a majestic mountain, I like to think that being Sumit is its own kind of summit—one that’s all about reaching the peak of being a good friend. And really, isn’t that a summit worth climbing?
Now that you know the story behind my name, I hope it adds a little extra something the next time we chat.
And who knows?
Maybe it’ll inspire you to think about the meaning behind your own name and how it shapes the person you strive to be.
Here are a few Indian names with their meanings
Amit (अमित)
Meaning: Infinite, Boundless
Background: Amit is a popular name for boys, symbolizing something that has no limits or end. It reflects qualities of vastness and potential, often representing an expansive mind or spirit.
Neha (नेहा)
Meaning: Love, Rain
Background: Neha is a widely used name for girls, meaning "love" or "rain." It’s a name that conveys warmth, affection, and nurturing qualities, often associated with the refreshing and life-giving nature of rain.
Rahul (राहुल)
Meaning: Efficient, Conqueror of Miseries
Background: Rahul is one of the most common names in India, often linked to Lord Buddha’s son. The name means "conqueror of all miseries" or "efficient," symbolizing someone who is strong and capable.
Priya (प्रिया)
Meaning: Beloved, Dear
Background: Priya is a very common name for girls, meaning "beloved" or "dear." It reflects someone who is cherished and loved by those around her, embodying warmth and affection.
Ravi (रवि)
Meaning: Sun
Background: Ravi is a popular name for boys, meaning "sun." It represents brightness, warmth, and vitality, often symbolizing a person who brings light and energy to those around them.
Love
Sumit Banerjee
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