Probably the name of a brahmin clan, the Agnivesyáyanas, and the Ksatriyas who were so styled, took the name from their brahmin purohitas (Further Dialogues, i.162 n).
The name is used by the Buddha in addressing Saccaka Nigantháputta (M.i.229f; 237f), and also Díghanakha Paribbájaka (M.i.497f).
In the Dantabhúmi Sutta (M.iii.128f) the novice Aciravata is thus addressed by Prince Jayasena, who visits him, and also by the Buddha.