Rising since 2003, #1,287 for boys today.
Popularity of Rudra since 2000
Babies named Rudra per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 259 |
| 2010s | 779 |
| 2020s | 725 |
Meaning & origin
Rudra entered the U.S. naming charts in 2000, and by 2025 it had climbed to rank 1287, reflecting a steady rise since 2003. With an incidence of 1 in 11,237 newborn boys, the name remains relatively uncommon but is gaining visibility. Its peak popularity so far occurred in 2025, suggesting continued growth. The name is most popular in states such as Washington, New Jersey, and Maryland, areas with significant Indian American communities. Rudra carries deep roots in Hindu tradition, where it refers to a fierce Vedic deity later identified with Shiva, making it a culturally rich choice for families connected to those traditions.
Rudra derives from the Sanskrit root 'rud' meaning 'to cry' or 'to howl', reflecting the deity's association with storms and wind. In the Rigveda, Rudra is a fearsome god of the wind and storm, later syncretized with Shiva in Hindu tradition. The name has been used in India for millennia and remains common among Hindu families.
Where Rudra is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rudra” around the world
Where Rudra lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
22
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Sibling names for Rudra
Names that share Rudra's style, for a brother or sister.
