What does Ganesh mean and where does it come from?
Ganesh (गणेश) is derived from Sanskrit and is one of the most widely celebrated deities in Hinduism. Known as the 'lord of the multitudes', Ganesh is depicted with an elephant head, symbolizing wisdom and understanding. He is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, making him a popular figure du
Cultural significance
Ganesh has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lord of the multitudes.
Peak popularity
Reached #4388 in 1993 — currently #11206 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ganesh?
Ganesh works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ganesh Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ganesh Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ganesh Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ganesh Claire
French influence · crisp
Ganesh Jane
Literary · strong
Ganesh Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ganesh right now?
Rising fast — up 1192 spots — currently #11206 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #11206 | 6 | ▲ up 1192 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #12398 | 5 | ▼ down 3383 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #9015 | 8 | ▲ up 84 |
| 2010 | #9099 | 8 | ▼ down 2708 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #6391 | 12 | ▲ up 692 · +33% births |
| 2000 | #7083 | 9 | ▼ down 375 · +13% births |
| 1995 | #6708 | 8 | ▼ down 586 · +33% births |
| 1980 | #6122 | 6 | — |
The story of Ganesh
Ganesh is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 284 total births recorded, Ganesh remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6122 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11206 in 2021.
Names that peaked alongside Ganesh in 1993:
Ganesh by decade
Ganesh peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 16 | |
| 1980s | 38 | |
| 1990s | 75 | |
| 2000s ★ | 102 | |
| 2010s | 48 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Ganesh has only 284 total recorded births since 1977 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ganesh?
What names sound and feel like Ganesh?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ganesh also consider these
How is Ganesh written in other languages?
Nepali), ಗಣೇಶ್
Kannada), கணேஷ் (Tamil), ഗണേഷ് (Malayalam), గణేష్ (Telugu), গণেশ (Bengali
Common questions about the name Ganesh
What does the name Ganesh mean?
Ganesh means "lord of the multitudes" — a name rooted in India tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ganesh?
Ganesh is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ganesh have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Ganesh?
Ganesh originates from India tradition. India names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Ganesh?
Ganesh is a two-syllable name pronounced G AE1 N EH1 SH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ganesh trending right now?
Ganesh is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.