Rising since 2022, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Vishal since 1970
Babies named Vishal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 118 |
| 1980s | 445 |
| 1990s | 540 |
| 2000s | 487 |
| 2010s | 122 |
| 2020s | 22 |
Meaning & origin
Vishal first entered U.S. records in 1970, and its popularity peaked in 2003, when it ranked highest among boy names. In 2025, it ranked 12,008th, with roughly 1 in 341,615 boys receiving the name. Its trajectory has been rising since 2022, reflecting a modest resurgence. The name's Sanskrit roots give it a meaning of 'glorious' or 'excellent,' which has contributed to its enduring appeal within Indian families. Although it has not broken into the top baby names broadly, Vishal remains a steady choice among those seeking a name with cultural depth and a positive connotation.
Vishal is derived from the Sanskrit word विशाल (viśāla), meaning 'vast, broad, spacious' and metaphorically 'glorious, excellent.' It is a common given name across India, especially among Hindi-speaking communities, and has been used for centuries. The name gained wider recognition internationally through Indian diaspora communities.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Vishu, Vish
Sibling names for Vishal
Names that share Vishal's style, for a brother or sister.

