Declining since 2006.
Popularity of Ganesh since 1977
Babies named Ganesh per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 16 |
| 1980s | 38 |
| 1990s | 76 |
| 2000s | 102 |
| 2010s | 48 |
| 2020s | 11 |
Meaning & origin
Ganesh is a male given name of Sanskrit origin, directly derived from the name of the Hindu god Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of wisdom, intellect, and new beginnings. The name first entered U.S. birth records in 1977, reflecting immigration and cultural exchange from Indian communities. Its peak year in American usage was 1993, after which it began a gradual decline; the Social Security data indicates a falling trajectory since 2006. While no top states are recorded for the name, its bearers are likely concentrated in areas with larger Indian-American populations. The name maintains strong cultural and religious significance for Hindu families, but has seen broader use in recent decades as a distinctive and meaningful choice.
From Sanskrit गणेश (Gaṇeśa), a compound of गण (gaṇa, 'group, multitude, category') and ईश (īśa, 'lord, master'). Ganesh is the name of the widely revered Hindu deity, the god of wisdom, intellect, and new beginnings, traditionally invoked before any major undertaking. The name has been used as a personal given name in India and among Hindu communities globally, and its popularity in the United States began in the late 1970s.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Ganesha, Ganesan, Ganapati
Sibling names for Ganesh
Names that share Ganesh's style, for a brother or sister.
