Holding steady.
Popularity of Akanksha since 1999
Babies named Akanksha per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 8 |
| 2000s | 110 |
| 2010s | 54 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Akanksha, first recorded in U.S. data in 1999, is a name with deep Sanskrit roots meaning 'desire' or 'aspiration.' Despite its spiritual meaning, it has never entered the national top 1,000, with its peak year of use in 2003. The name has remained stable in usage, reflecting its popularity within Indian-American communities. Its trajectory shows consistent but modest adoption.
Akanksha comes from the Sanskrit word आकांक्षा (ākāṅkṣā), meaning 'desire' or 'wish.' It is a common feminine given name in India, particularly among Hindu communities, and reflects a positive aspiration or longing. The name has been used consistently since the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Anks, Aku, Kanksha
Sibling names for Akanksha
Names that share Akanksha's style, for a brother or sister.

