Rising since 2006, #3,949 for boys today.
Popularity of Skanda since 2004
Babies named Skanda per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 19 |
| 2010s | 89 |
| 2020s | 87 |
Meaning & origin
Skanda entered the U.S. naming landscape in 2004, and has been steadily rising since 2006. By 2025 it reached a rank of 3949, given to approximately 1 in 63,262 newborn boys that year. Its highest rank has been in 2025, indicating growing interest. The name is most popular in Texas, reflecting the state's significant South Asian population. Skanda's appeal lies in its strong mythological roots and its modern, accessible sound.
Skanda derives from the Sanskrit root 'skand' meaning 'to leap' or 'to attack', referring to the god's swift and martial nature. In Hindu mythology, Skanda is the commander-in-chief of the divine army and is worshiped primarily in South India and Sri Lanka. The name has been used in India for centuries and saw modern adoption in the United States beginning in 2004.
Where Skanda is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Skand, Kanda
Sibling names for Skanda
Names that share Skanda's style, for a brother or sister.
