Declining since 2011, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Chetan since 1972
Babies named Chetan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 50 |
| 1980s | 92 |
| 1990s | 58 |
| 2000s | 115 |
| 2010s | 123 |
| 2020s | 40 |
Meaning & origin
Chetan is a masculine name of Sanskrit origin, directly related to the word for consciousness and an epithet of the Hindu deity Shiva. It has been recorded in the United States since 1972, though it remains rare, ranking 12,008th in 2025 with a frequency of 1 in 341,615 births. Its usage reached its peak popularity in 2012, after which it has been on a declining trajectory. The name is primarily used within Indian-American communities and reflects a connection to Hindu philosophical concepts. No U.S. states showed a concentrated popularity for Chetan, indicating its broad but sparse use across the country.
Chetan is a Sanskrit word meaning 'consciousness' or 'perception.' It is used as a masculine given name in India, particularly among Hindi and other North Indian language speakers. The name is also an epithet of the Hindu deity Shiva, who is associated with supreme consciousness. It has been in consistent use since the late 20th century, especially following India's modernization.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Chet, Chintu
Sibling names for Chetan
Names that share Chetan's style, for a brother or sister.

