Holding steady.
Popularity of Rakesh since 1966
Babies named Rakesh per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 16 |
| 1970s | 129 |
| 1980s | 153 |
| 1990s | 75 |
| 2000s | 58 |
| 2010s | 11 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Rakesh entered U.S. naming records in 1966 and reached its peak popularity in 1980. After that peak, its usage has remained stable at low levels, reflecting its enduring but niche use among Indian American families. The name has never cracked the top 1000 nationally, so precise rank and 1-in-N figures are not available.
Rakesh is a Sanskrit compound of 'raka' (full moon) and 'isha' (lord or ruler), thus meaning 'lord of the full moon' and serving as an epithet of the Hindu god Shiva. It is a traditional masculine given name in India, particularly common among Hindi-speaking communities, and has also spread to the Indian diaspora worldwide.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Raki, Raks
Sibling names for Rakesh
Names that share Rakesh's style, for a brother or sister.
