As a deity name
Name 362 of the Narasimha Sahasranāma — Brahmanda Purana / Narasimha Purana, as taught by Sages to Assembly of Devotees
As a Hindi name
No reading on this path — this spelling has no entry in our Hindi sources, and no near neighbour is attested there either. We say so rather than invent one.
As a Sanskrit word
Meaning
most excellent, best, first, chief ( ‘the best or chief thing’), best of or among or in respect of or in (with gen. loc., or comp.), &c. &c.
Scripturally attested Verified split — attested membersMultiple readings (5)Why this matches what you typed
M1 · same meaning "śreṣṭhāya" is the dative of "śreṣṭha" — the same word in a different grammatical case.
Dictionary citations
śreṣṭha mf(ā)n. most splendid or beautiful, most beautiful of or among (with gen.), RV.; AV.; R.
most excellent, best, first, chief (n. ‘the best or chief thing’), best of or among or in respect of or in (with gen. loc., or comp.), RV. &c. &c.
Alternative readings
More than one analysis survives full verification. That ambiguity is real, so we show every reading rather than pick one silently.
Caveats
Sources contain errors and engines have limits; every claim above carries its citation so you can verify it. This is guidance about names and their sources — not religious or astrological consultation. How we work · Our sources