What does Gaurav mean and where does it come from?
Gaurav is a common name in India, often used for boys. The name represents pride and honor, and is derived from the Sanskrit root 'गौरव' (gaurava). It is often seen in Hindu cultures and is popular across various Indian communities. The name has variants like Gauravendra, which can be used in certai
Cultural significance
Gaurav has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pride, honor, or respect.
Peak popularity
Reached #2336 in 1983 — currently #12687 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Gaurav?
Gaurav works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gaurav Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Gaurav Rose
Floral · soft ending
Gaurav Mae
Sweet · timeless
Gaurav Claire
French influence · crisp
Gaurav Jane
Literary · strong
Gaurav Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Gaurav right now?
Falling — down 5565 spots — currently #12687 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2020 | #12360 | 5 | ▼ down 5565 · -58% births |
| 2015 | #6795 | 12 | ▼ down 2214 · -43% births |
| 2010 | #4581 | 21 | ▲ up 342 · +24% births |
| 2005 | #4923 | 17 | ▼ down 1660 · -35% births |
| 2000 | #3263 | 26 | ▲ up 530 · +53% births |
| 1995 | #3793 | 17 | ▲ up 123 · +13% births |
| 1990 | #3916 | 15 | ▲ up 94 · +36% births |
| 1985 | #4010 | 11 | ▲ up 843 · +38% births |
| 1980 | #4853 | 8 | ▲ up 1333 · +60% births |
| 1975 | #6186 | 5 | — |
The story of Gaurav
Gaurav is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1975. With 703 total births recorded, Gaurav remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6186 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12360 in 2020.
Names that peaked alongside Gaurav in 1983:
Gaurav by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 16 | |
| 1980s | 142 | |
| 1990s | 174 | |
| 2000s ★ | 252 | |
| 2010s | 114 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Gaurav has only 703 total recorded births since 1975 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Gaurav?
Common
GauGaurGaurieGauryUrav
What names sound and feel like Gaurav?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gaurav also consider these
Common questions about the name Gaurav
What does the name Gaurav mean?
Gaurav means "Pride, honor, or respect" — 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 Gaurav?
Gaurav is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Gaurav?
Gaurav 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 Gaurav?
Gaurav is a 5-syllable name pronounced G AA1 ER1 EY2 V IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Gaurav?
Gaurav pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar India heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.