Declining since 2017, #5,722 for girls today.
Popularity of Sarayu since 2000
Babies named Sarayu per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2009, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Sarayu's real moment was 2017.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 197 |
| 2010s | 334 |
| 2020s | 148 |
Meaning & origin
Sarayu entered U.S. naming records in 2000 and has since remained a rare but consistent choice, reaching its peak popularity in 2017. In 2025, it ranked 5,722, with roughly 1 in 76,537 newborns receiving the name. Its usage has declined slightly since the peak year, but it maintains a steady presence, particularly in California and Texas, where families of South Asian heritage are concentrated. The name's Sanskrit roots and connection to the Sarayu River in Hindu scripture give it a deeply spiritual and cultural resonance, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with ancient origins.
Sarayu is derived from Sanskrit सरयू (sarayū), referring to the Sarayu River, a tributary of the Ganges. In Hindu mythology, the river is associated with the epic Ramayana, and the name has been used in India for centuries.
Where Sarayu is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sar, Sari, Rayu
Variants: Sarayu, Sarayuu
Sibling names for Sarayu
Names that share Sarayu's style, for a brother or sister.
