Rudra

Rudra is a Sanskrit deity name commonly interpreted as “roarer” or “howler.” In the Rigveda, Rudra is associated with powers including storms and healing, and the figure has an important relationship with Shiva in later Hindu tradition. The religious history gives the name more depth than a simple adjective such as fierce.

Modern television and other fiction have also used Rudra, but those appearances do not account for the name’s older significance. For families choosing it within Hindu tradition, the deity connection may matter more than any one English translation. English pronunciation guides vary, so a spoken introduction from the family is preferable to assuming a single vowel rendering.