MallowbyNames

Gaurav

गौरवGOW-ruhv · One who is respected, honored, or esteemed; also a title of respect.

2025 rank (boys)
#12,008
Babies named in 2025
5
Peak popularity
2003
2025 frequency
1 in 341,615 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2022

Rising since 2022, #12,008 for boys today.

Popularity of Gaurav since 1975

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

122436198020002020Most births 2003Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1970s16
1980s142
1990s174
2000s252
2010s114
2020s16

Meaning & origin

Gaurav is a Sanskrit name meaning 'respect' or 'honor,' reflecting a virtue that parents wish to instill in their child. First recorded in U.S. data in 1975, it saw its peak in 2003, which aligns with increasing Indian diaspora visibility. After a period of decline, the name has been rising again since 2022, reaching rank 12,008 by 2025. While not widely used across American states, it remains a meaningful choice within Indian communities for its cultural resonance and aspirational quality. Its modest but steady trajectory suggests a name that balances heritage with distinctiveness.

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'gaurava' meaning 'respect, honor, or dignity.' The name has been common in India, particularly among Hindu families, and is often given to boys as a virtue name expressing the hope that the child will be respected.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Gau, Gavi, Ravi

Variants: Gourava

Sibling names for Gaurav

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

Sisters: Ananya, Ishita, Riya, Sneha, Priya

Brothers: Arjun, Rohan, Amit, Vijay, Kiran

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

G is for Gaurav, our favorite little boy.

G is for Gaurav…”

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

Make Gaurav's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Gaurav mean?
Gaurav means 'one who is respected, honored, or esteemed,' deriving from the Sanskrit word 'gaurava' for respect and dignity.
Is Gaurav a popular name in the United States?
Gaurav is not common in the U.S. As of 2025, it ranked 12,008th, with approximately 1 in 341,615 boys given the name that year.
Is Gaurav a boy's name or a girl's name?
Gaurav is almost exclusively a boy's name, though unisex usage is not unheard of.