Rising since 1985, #1,056 for boys today.
Popularity of Rishi since 1974
Babies named Rishi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 131 |
| 1980s | 432 |
| 1990s | 523 |
| 2000s | 1,578 |
| 2010s | 1,322 |
| 2020s | 1,156 |
Meaning & origin
Rishi entered the U.S. naming charts in 1974 and has climbed steadily, especially since 1985, reflecting growing cultural awareness of Indian traditions. In 2025 it ranked 1056th, with a frequency of 1 in 8,252 boys. Its peak year was 2023, though the trajectory remains on an upward trend. The name is most popular in states with large South Asian communities, including New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington. Rishi carries a dignified spiritual weight as the title of the Vedic seers, but it also feels contemporary and accessible. Its clean sound and strong meaning make it a distinctive choice that bridges ancient heritage and modern sensibilities.
Rishi derives from the Sanskrit root 'dṛś' meaning 'to see' and serves as a title for the ancient seers who composed the Vedas. The name has been used in India for centuries as both a given name and an honorific, and it gained modest use in English-speaking countries from the 1970s onward, partly through the global reach of Indian spirituality.
Where Rishi is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Rishi
Sibling names for Rishi
Names that share Rishi's style, for a brother or sister.
