Murali, meaning "auspicious" or "picturesque," is a unisex given name of Sanskrit origin, predominantly used in India and among Indian communities worldwide. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "murali," which also signifies the flute played by the Hindu god Krishna. In some regions, Murali is associated with the musical instrument itself or with the peacock, a bird revered in Hindu culture. The name gained international recognition through notable figures like Murali Venkatagiri, an Indian-born American computer scientist and entrepreneur, and Murali Kartik, a former Indian cricketer who played for the national team from 1996 to 2007.
"Murali saw its first five births in 1970, with no additional recorded instances since."