Answer:
The meaning of Hinduism is "the way of living". Hinduism was earlier known as Sanatan Dharma. The term Hindu originated from the word Sindhu (present Indus River ). The Persians (or trader?) who travelled to the eastern part of Indus river called the region as Hindu.
There is no known date of origin of Hinduism, as there is no founder. It is believed that during Indus valley civilisation (3000 BCE) the religion started, but it quite debatable. Earlier Hindus used to worship nature, fire, rivers etc. as found from the remains of Harappan civilisation.