MallowbyNames

Ketan

KEH-tan · Of uncertain origin; possibly means 'younger brother' in Sanskrit.

Peak popularity
1980
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Ketan since 1970

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

71320198020002020Most births 1980Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1970s63
1980s101
1990s37
2000s95
2010s56
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Ketan is a masculine name of Sanskrit origin that has seen modest but steady use in the United States since the 1970s. First recorded in 1970, it reached its peak in 1980, the year with the most recorded births. Despite never entering the top 1,000, it has maintained a stable trajectory in recent decades, appealing to families seeking a culturally rich yet uncommon name. Its meaning is uncertain, but it is likely connected to the Sanskrit term for 'younger brother' or 'junior'. While not widely used across any particular U.S. state, Ketan remains a distinctive choice rooted in Indian heritage.

The name Ketan is of Sanskrit origin, though its exact meaning is debated. It may derive from a word meaning 'younger brother' or 'junior'. Primarily used in Indian communities, it gained some visibility in the United States starting in the 1970s. It has remained relatively uncommon, with a peak in recorded births in 1980.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ket

Sibling names for Ketan

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

Sisters: Anjali, Priya, Rina, Shanti, Tara

Brothers: Arjun, Nikhil, Ravi, Sanjay, Vijay

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

K is for Ketan, our favorite little boy.

K is for Ketan…”

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

Make Ketan's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Ketan mean?
Ketan is of Sanskrit origin and possibly means 'younger brother' or 'junior', though its exact meaning is uncertain.
Is Ketan a popular name today?
Ketan has never ranked among the top 1,000 names in the United States. Its peak usage was in 1980, but it remains a rare choice.
Is Ketan a boy's name?
Yes, Ketan is typically used as a masculine name.