Rising since 2019, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Khush since 2002
Babies named Khush per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 65 |
| 2010s | 60 |
| 2020s | 22 |
Meaning & origin
Khush is a name with deep roots in Persian and Sanskrit, carrying the meaning of happiness and delight. While it has been in use for centuries in South Asia, its appearance in U.S. birth records is relatively recent, first recorded in 2002. The name reached its peak popularity in 2005, but has since become rarer, with a notable upward trend since 2019. In 2025, the name was given to about 1 in 341,615 boys, placing it at rank 12,008. The name has not been strongly associated with any particular U.S. state in recent data. Its rarity in the West contrasts with its common usage in compound names in India and Pakistan, where it often forms part of longer appellations like Khushwant or Khushboo. The name's joyful meaning and soft sound make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with cross-cultural appeal.
Khush derives from the Sanskrit word 'kusha' (meaning 'good' or 'pleasing') and the Persian 'khush' (خوش), meaning 'happy, pleasant, or sweet.' It is a common element in compound names across South Asia, such as Khushwant or Khushi, and is used as a standalone name in Sikh and Hindu families. The name entered modern use in English-speaking countries through the South Asian diaspora.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Khu, Khushy
Variants: Khus, Khushh, Koosh
Sibling names for Khush
Names that share Khush's style, for a brother or sister.
