Declining since 2013, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Kushal since 1988
Babies named Kushal per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2004, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kushal's real moment was 2017.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 9 |
| 1990s | 92 |
| 2000s | 169 |
| 2010s | 176 |
| 2020s | 77 |
Meaning & origin
Kushal has been in use in the United States since 1988, when it first appeared on the Social Security Administration's records. It peaked in popularity in 2017, and since 2013 its usage has been gradually declining. As of 2025, it ranks 7194, with approximately 1 in 155,280 male newborns receiving the name. The name is of Sanskrit origin, meaning clever, skillful, or prosperous, and is widely used in India and among the Indian diaspora. While it has not been among the most popular names, Kushal has maintained a consistent presence, particularly in states with significant Indian-American communities (though no specific top states are recorded). Its straightforward pronunciation and positive meaning contribute to its enduring appeal.
Kushal derives from the Sanskrit word kuśala (कुशल), meaning clever, skilled, or prosperous. It is a common given name in India, particularly among Hindu families, and is also used as a surname. The name has been in steady use in the United States since the late 1980s, reflecting the growing Indian diaspora.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kush
Variants: Kushal
Sibling names for Kushal
Names that share Kushal's style, for a brother or sister.
