Declining since 2009, #7,679 for boys today.
Popularity of Gautam since 1972
Babies named Gautam per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 59 |
| 1980s | 80 |
| 1990s | 119 |
| 2000s | 209 |
| 2010s | 186 |
| 2020s | 59 |
Meaning & origin
Gautam ranks 7679th as of 2025, with about 1 in 170,808 babies receiving the name. Its peak year was 2008, and it has been falling in usage since 2009. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1972, reflecting relatively recent but steady adoption outside South Asia. While not regionally concentrated in any top states, Gautam remains a recognizable and culturally significant name, especially among Indian and Nepali communities. Its enduring association with the Buddha lends it a spiritual weight that transcends trends.
Gautam is a Sanskrit name derived from the root 'gō' (cow) and 'tama' (darkness), but is more commonly interpreted as 'one who has the most light' or 'the brightest'. The name is historically associated with the ancient sage Gotama, a revered figure in Hindu tradition, and is most famously borne by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. In modern times, it remains a common first name and surname across India and Nepal, particularly among Hindus and Buddhists.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gautam, Gautu
Variants: Gotam, Gautama, Goutam
Sibling names for Gautam
Names that share Gautam's style, for a brother or sister.
