MallowbyNames

Ashwini

ush-WEE-nee · Possessing horses, or a name for the Ashwini twins, the Hindu gods of medicine and horsemanship.

Peak popularity
2002
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Ashwini since 1981

Babies named Ashwini per year in U.S. Social Security records.

511161990200020102020Most births 2002Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s5
1990s55
2000s66
2010s18
2020s5

Meaning & origin

Ashwini is a name of Sanskrit origin that entered U.S. birth records in 1981. It reached its peak in 2002, though overall usage has remained stable, never breaking into the top 1,000. Despite its low frequency, it carries strong cultural and mythological resonance for Hindu families, connecting to the Ashwini twins, deities of healing and horsemanship. The name's trajectory shows consistent but niche appeal, and its top states in the U.S. have historically been those with larger Indian-American communities, though no single state dominates. For parents seeking a name with deep roots and a lyrical sound, Ashwini offers a distinctive choice.

Ashwini is a feminine name of Sanskrit origin, derived from 'ashva' meaning 'horse'. In Hindu mythology, the Ashwini are the twin horsemen deities who serve as physicians to the gods. The name is also used as the first nakshatra (lunar mansion) in Vedic astrology, bringing associations with healing and speed.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ash, Shwini

Variants: Ashwinee, Ashvini, Ashweeni

Sibling names for Ashwini

Names that share Ashwini's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Ananya, Divya, Kavya, Nalini, Pooja

Brothers: Arjun, Kiran, Rahul, Ravi, Vivek

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Ashwini, our favorite little girl.

A is for Ashwini…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Ashwini's letter becomes Ashwini's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Ashwini's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Ashwini mean?
Ashwini means 'possessing horses' in Sanskrit and is associated with the Ashwini twins, divine horsemen in Hindu mythology.
How popular is the name Ashwini?
Ashwini first appeared in U.S. records in 1981 and was most popular in 2002. It has remained stable in usage since then, though it does not rank within the top 1,000 names.
Is Ashwini a boy or girl name?
Ashwini is predominantly a girl's name in the United States, though in India it is sometimes used for boys as well.