Rising since 1990, #1,826 for boys today.
Popularity of Raghav since 1990
Babies named Raghav per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 105 |
| 2000s | 445 |
| 2010s | 488 |
| 2020s | 297 |
Meaning & origin
Raghav is a name deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, derived from the Sanskrit word for 'descendant of Raghu', a legendary king of the Solar dynasty and an epithet of the god Rama. Though it first appeared in U.S. records in 1990, its use has grown steadily, reflecting the Indian diaspora's cultural presence. In 2025, it ranked 1826 nationwide, with about 1 in every 19,633 male births receiving the name. Its peak year so far is 2025, and it has been consistently rising since 1990. Top states for the name include New Jersey, Washington, and Illinois, areas with large South Asian communities. The name's trajectory places it among a wave of traditional Sanskrit names gaining visibility in the United States.
Raghav derives from the Sanskrit root 'Raghu', a name borne by a legendary king of the Solar dynasty (Suryavansha) in Hindu tradition. As a patronymic, it means 'descendant of Raghu' and is often used as an epithet for the god Rama in the Ramayana. The name has been common in India for centuries, particularly in Hindu families, and has spread among the Indian diaspora worldwide.
Where Raghav is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Raghu
Variants: Raghava
Sibling names for Raghav
Names that share Raghav's style, for a brother or sister.
