Shiv is the Hindi form of Shiva, the name of one of the principal Hindu gods, from a Sanskrit word meaning "auspicious" or "kind". It is used across North India as a standalone name and as the first element of names like Shivansh and Shivam. In the United States Shiv is given mainly in Indian American families; it has hovered around number 1800 to 2200 for a decade and ranks number 1766 among boys' names in 2025.