Hindu Naming Traditions
Apart from choosing any name that one likes, there is an organization of syllables based on astrology which can be used as a guideline to determine the beginning syllable of a name.
In Indian astrology the ecliptic contains 27 nakshatras (clusters of stars). Each nakshatra is assigned 4 syllables. The birth star of an individual is determined by finding out the postion of the moon at the time of birth in relation to the 27 nakshatra. So if the moon happens to be in the domain of the nakshatra Ashvini at the time of the person's birth, then Ashvini would be his or her nakshatra. There are four syllables associated with Ashvini. They are Chu, Chay, Cho or La. So the person may choose from any of these four syllable to start his or her name. It could be Chundadeva, Cholan, Lalitha and so forth.
Below is the complete list of nakshatras and the syllables associated with them. I must note that the syllable designation is not absolute and it differs based on the native language of the astrologer and the astrological tradition that the astrologer uses (there are several schools of thought in Indian astrology). If you look down this list of syllables you will find a few replications. I can't say why this is except that it is the way it is. For easy reference I have given both the Sanskrit and Tamil names of the nakshatras in the cases they are different.
Ashvini / Aswini: Chu / Chay / Cho / La
Bharani / Parani: Li / Lu / Lay / Lo
Kritika / Kartikay: Aa / Ee / U / A
Rohini: O / Va / Vee / Vo
Mrigashira / Mirgasiredam: Vay / Vo / Kaa / Ke
Ardra / Thiruvathirai: Koo / Ghaa / Jna / Cha
Punarvasu / Punarpusam: Kay / Ko / Haa / Hee
Pushya / Pusam: Hoo / Hay / Ho / Daa
Ashlesha / Aayilyam: Dee / Doo / Day / Do
Magha / Magam: Maa / Mee / Moo / May
Purva Phalguni / Pooram: Mo / Taa / Tee / Too
Uttara Phalguni / Uttiram: Tay / To / Paa / Pee
Hasta / Hastam: Pu / Shaa / Naa / Thaa
Chitra: Pay / Po / Raa / Ree
Swati: Ru / Ray / Raa / Tha
Vishakha / Visakam: Thee / Thoo / Thay / Tho
Anuradha / Anushyam: Naa / Nee / Noo / Nay
Jyeshtha / Kettai: No / Yaa / Yee / Yoo
Mula / Moolam: Yay / Yo / Baa / Bee
Purvashadha / Pooradam: Bu / Dhaa / Bha / Dha
Uttarashadha / Uttiradam: Bay / Bo / Jaa / Jee
Sharavana / Tiruvonam: Ju / Jay / Jo / Gha
Dhanistha / Avittam: Gaa / Gee / Goo / Gay
Satabhishak / Sathayam: Go / Saa / See / Soo
Purvabhadra / Poorattathi: Say / So / Daa / Dee
Utttarabhadra / Uttarattathi: Du / Tha / Gya / Da
Revathi: De / Do / Chaa / Chee
Many astrologers will swear by the benefits of naming according to this syllable organization. However, my personal belief is to use this as a guideline, especially if you do not have a name already in mind and you need a guide to help you start. The main reason I don't put much emphasis in the astrological significance of naming is that, there are differing traditions that advocate different syllables for the nakshatras which in a sense negates the logic of absoluteness of any system. My guru, who had given names to many people and babies also used this astrological system as a guideline. If a devotee preferred a certain name not corresponding to this system, he gave blessings to use the name of the devotee's choice.
Numerology is also becoming common place when choosing Hindu names. You will have guessed right if you thought I have no regard for using numerology. The main reason is that numerology is based only on the roman alphabetical tradition. If the name is spelled in any other language there is no basis for it whatsoever. Even if another language had a numerological base, more likely than not the interpretations would differ. So again the logic of absoluteness of the system breaks down. However, just like the astrological system, if one needs a guideline, numerology can provide a starting point for choosing a name. However, I would like to advise to use either of these two systems and not to combine them. I have met some people with names that were chosen from combining these systems. The spelling of their names in english alphabets were sometimes so convoluted to fit in numerlogy that their names are either mispronounced or difficult to pronounce. Doesn't that defeat the purpose?
The point I want to make is, if you have a name of that you like, that would be the best name and there is no need to figure out or force compatibility with any of the naming systems.
First Names and Last Names
In Indian traditions, the first name is the chosen name and the last name or family name refers to one's clan. In some cases. like in the Tamil tradition, the father's name is used as the middle name. For instance in the name Narayanan Gopal Kownder, Narayanan is the given name, Gopal the father's name and Kownder the clan name. In cases where there is no clan name, such as for a convert into Hinduism or where the clan name has lost relevance because of generations of disassociation, the father's name or any other name can be chosen. This would be the start of a new generation lineage.
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