Question
What is the meaning of Saraswati?
Answer
One derivation of the word "Saraswati" is given in the Devi Bhagavatam and which is as follows:
On the greatness of Kali:
1-110. Nârâyana said :-- A part of Sarasvatî descended in this Bhârata Punya Bhûmi (land of merits), owing to the curse of Gangâ; and She remained in full in Visnu's region, the abode of Vaikuntha. She is named Bhâratî, on account of Her coming to Bhârata; she is called Brâhmî because she is dear to Brahmâ; and She is called Vânî as She presides over Speech. Hari is seen everywhere, in tanks, in wells, in running streams (i.e., in Saras). Because He resides in Saras, therefore He is called Sarasvân. Vânî is the S'akti of that Sarasvân; therefore She is denominated Sarasvatî.
From the Devi Bhagavatam's Book 9, Chapter VIII (this chapter is called "The greatness of Kali).
So, here it's said to be derived like this: Saras (meaning streams of water)+wati or vati (a female who's endowed with that i.e streams).
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