Declining since 2012, #2,884 for boys today.
Popularity of Arnav since 1991
Babies named Arnav per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 90 |
| 2000s | 1,597 |
| 2010s | 1,651 |
| 2020s | 247 |
Meaning & origin
Arnav entered U.S. records in 1991 and reached its peak popularity in 2011, ranking 2,884th in 2025. Its trajectory has been falling since 2012. The name is most common in Ohio, California, and Texas, reflecting areas with large Indian-American communities. Arnav's Sanskrit meaning 'ocean' echoes the grandeur of natural elements commonly chosen in Hindu naming traditions.
Arnav is derived from the Sanskrit word 'arnava' (अर्णव), meaning 'ocean' or 'sea'. It is a common given name in India, particularly among Hindu families, and has seen increased usage in the West since the late 20th century as Indian diaspora communities have grown.
Where Arnav is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Arni, Nav
Variants: Arnav, Arunav
Sibling names for Arnav
Names that share Arnav's style, for a brother or sister.
