Meaning of a Wife in Hinduism

Sanskrit terms used by the husband for the wife were Pathni (the one who leads the husband through life), Dharmapathni (the one who guides the husband in dharma) and Sahadharmacharini (one who moves with the husband on the path of dharma; righteousness and duty).

This is how ancient Vedic culture viewed the partnership of husband and wife.

In Rig Veda(10.85), the marriage hymn, states that the daughter-in-law should be treated as a queen, sāmrajni, by all the family members especially the mother-in-law, husband, father-in-law.

Woman is designated as:

Aditi, because she is not dependent (Nirukta, 4/22)

Aghnyā, for she is not to be hurt (Yajur Veda 8/43)

Bŗhatī, for she is large hearted (Yajur Veda 11/64)

Chandrā, because she is happy (Yajur Veda 8/43)

Devakāmā, since she is pious. (Atharvar Veda 14/1/47)

Devī, since she is divine (Atharvar Veda 14/1/45, Yajur Veda 4/23)

Dhruvā, for she is firm (Yajur Veda 11/64) ā

Havyā, because she is worthy of invocation (Yajur Veda 8/43)

Idā, for she is worshippable (Yajur Veda 8/43)

Jyotā, because she is illuminating, bright (Yajur Veda 8/43)

Kāmyā, because she is lovable (Yajur Veda 8/43)

Kshamā, for she is tolerant/indulgent /patient (Atharvar Veda 12/1/29)

Mahī, since she is great (Yajur Veda 8/43)

Menā, because she deserves respect (Nirukta 3/21/2)

Nārī, for she is not inimical to anyone (Atharvar Veda 14/1/59)

Purandhih, for she is munificent, liberal (Yajur Veda 22/22)

Rantā, because she is lovely (Yajur Veda 8/43)

Rtāvarī, Rtachit, for she is the preserver / forester of truth (Rig Veda 2/41/18)

Sanjayā, since she is victorious (Rig Veda 10/159/3)

Sarasvatī, since she is scholarly (Yajur Veda 20/84)

Simhī, since she is courageous (Yajur Veda 5/12)

Sivā, for she is benevolent (Atharvar Veda 14/1/64)

Sivatamā, since she is the noblest (Rig Veda 10/85/37)

Strī, since she is modest (Rig Veda 8/33/9, Nirukta 3/21/2)

Subhagā, because she is fortunate (Yajur Veda 8/43)

Subhdhā, for she is knowledgeable (Atharvar Veda 14/2.75)

Sumangalī, since she is auspicious (Atharvar Veda 14/2/26)

Sushevā, for she is pleasant (Atharvar Veda 14/2/26)

Suvarchā, since she is splendid (Atharvar Veda 14/4/47)

Suyamā, since she is self – disciplined. (Atharvar Veda 14/2/18)

Syonā, for she is noble (Atharvar Veda 14/2/27)

Vīriņī, since she is mother of brave sons (Rig Veda 10/86/9, 10)

Vishrutā, since she is learned (Yajur Veda 8/43)

Yashasvatī, for she is glorious (Rig Veda 1.79.1)

Yoşhā, because she is intermingled with man, she is not separate (Nirukta 3/15/1)

Credits: Hinduism Demystified Classic