Rising since 1988, #2,108 for boys today.
Popularity of Keshav since 1987
Babies named Keshav per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 146 |
| 2000s | 421 |
| 2010s | 532 |
| 2020s | 322 |
Meaning & origin
Keshav entered U.S. baby name records in 1987, and by 2025 it ranked 2,108 with approximately 1 in 24,755 boys receiving the name. Its popularity has been rising steadily since 1988, reflecting growing visibility of South Asian names in America. The name is especially common in states with large Indian communities, including New Jersey, Virginia, and California. As a traditional Sanskrit epithet for Krishna, Keshav carries deep religious and cultural resonance for Hindu families, while its pleasant sound and straightforward spelling have made it accessible to a broader audience. The rising trajectory, particularly in the 2020s, suggests the name is finding favor beyond its original cultural context.
Keshav (also spelled Keshab or Keshava) is a Sanskrit name often used as an epithet of the god Krishna. It may mean 'having long hair' or 'slayer of the demon Kesi', though the precise derivation is not universally agreed upon. The name has long been favored by Hindu families across India and the diaspora.
Where Keshav is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kesh
Variants: Keshab, Keshava
Sibling names for Keshav
Names that share Keshav's style, for a brother or sister.
