MallowbyNames

Shaunak

शौनकSHOH-nak · A name from Indian mythology, often associated with a sage or scholar, but precise meaning is uncertain.

Peak popularity
2009
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Shaunak since 1999

Babies named Shaunak per year in U.S. Social Security records.

71421200020102020Most births 2006Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s8
2000s144
2010s106
2020s13

Meaning & origin

The name Shaunak first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1999, reflecting its modern adoption among Indian diaspora families. Its peak year of usage came in 2009, though it remains rare and does not rank among the top 1000 names. The name is derived from Sanskrit and is linked to the ancient sage Shaunaka, a figure known for his role in the Mahabharata. Despite its mythological roots, Shaunak has not seen widespread popularity in the U.S., maintaining a stable trajectory with occasional sporadic use. It does not have widely recognized nicknames or spelling variants, and its top states for usage are not recorded due to low frequency. Shaunak represents a cultural and traditional choice that remains distinctive.

Shaunak is a Sanskrit name, possibly derived from the word śaunaka, which refers to a class of ancient sages or scholars in Hindu tradition. It is also the name of a prominent rishi (sage) in the Mahabharata, known for his wisdom and learning. The name has been adopted in modern times primarily among Indian families, especially in Maharashtra and other parts of western India.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Shaunak, Shaunaka

Sibling names for Shaunak

Names that share Shaunak's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Shaunak, our favorite little boy.

S is for Shaunak…”

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Shaunak mean?
Shaunak is a Sanskrit name of uncertain meaning, traditionally associated with a sage or scholar in Hindu mythology.
How popular is the name Shaunak?
Shaunak has been given to boys in the U.S. since 1999, with a peak year in 2009. It has not ranked in the top 1000 and remains a rare name.
Is Shaunak a boy's name?
Yes, Shaunak is used primarily as a boy's name, though it could be used for any gender. Its U.S. data shows it is given to boys.