Declining since 1999, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Kunal since 1977
Babies named Kunal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 14 |
| 1980s | 351 |
| 1990s | 454 |
| 2000s | 324 |
| 2010s | 92 |
| 2020s | 24 |
Meaning & origin
Kunal entered the U.S. naming record in 1977, a relatively late arrival compared to many traditional names. Its peak year came in 1994, when it ranked highest among American births. Since 1999, however, its usage has been steadily falling, reflecting broader trends in the popularity of Indian-origin names in the United States. In 2025, the name ranked 10,695, with approximately 1 in every 284,679 newborn boys receiving it. Despite its decline, Kunal remains a recognizable name within Indian American communities, carrying strong cultural and religious resonance through its Sanskrit roots and association with the god Vishnu.
Kunal is derived from the Sanskrit word 'kuna' meaning 'skillful' or 'clever'. In Hindu mythology, Kunal is an epithet of the god Vishnu. The name is common in India and among the Indian diaspora.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kunu, Kun
Variants: Kunaal
Sibling names for Kunal
Names that share Kunal's style, for a brother or sister.
