Bava is a Sri Lankan name for god. There is a belief that if you have this name for your son or daughter you will be enriched with good fortune in terms of money and gold. This may be related to the early presence of Syriac Speaking Christians in Sri Lanca, as described by Cosmas Indicopleaustes in the 6th century.The Syriac word Bava is used to address the God-Holy Father and also the head of the Church- the Catholicose or Patriarch.
In the Syriac Christian traditions the Catholicoses and Patriarchs are addressed as Bava. It is the Syriac equivalent of the Latin/Greek title Pope. Both words literally translate to 'Fath
It is also use in one south side state Andhra Pradesh in India. Sister's husband is called Bava. Father's sister's son or mothers brothers son are called Bava. Girls address them as Bava. They can get married with each other.