Gopal

“protector of cows” — Associated with Lord Krishna

India origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#12708US 2020

5Births / yr

↓Falling

92All-time births

📅 Since 197500

How to pronounce Gopal

goh·PAHL

/ˌɡoʊ.ˈpɑl/ · stress on PAHL · 2 syllables

“protector of cows”

Associated with Lord Krishna · India origin

What does Gopal mean and where does it come from?

Gopal (गोपाल) has deep roots in Indian culture, derived from Sanskrit, and is closely associated with Lord Krishna, who is often depicted as a cowherd. The name signifies caretaking, protection, and nurturing. Gopal is widely used in Hindu communities, predominantly in India and Nepal, and has varia

Cultural significance

Gopal has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of protector of cows.

Peak popularity

Reached #4813 in 1983 — currently #12708 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Gopal?

Gopal works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Gopal Grace

How popular is Gopal right now?

Falling — down 1824 spots — currently #12708 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2020#12708 · Top 9.4%

1975

2000

2005

2020

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2020	#12353	5	▼ down 1824 · -17% births
2005	#10529	6	▼ down 2828 · -25% births
2000	#7701	8	▼ down 2291 · +33% births
1975	#5410	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Gopal

Best Year1975Rank #5410

Peak Count8

Average Rank#8998

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1975 - 20204 years

The story of Gopal

Gopal is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1975. With 92 total births recorded, Gopal remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5410 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12353 in 2020.

Names that peaked alongside Gopal in 1983:

Michael Christopher Matthew David Joshua

Gopal by decade

Gopal peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	20
1980s	15
1990s	19
2000s ★	26
2010s	7
2020s	5

💎Gopal has only 92 total recorded births since 1975 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Gopal?

Common

GopGopieGopy

What names sound and feel like Gopal?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gopal also consider these

India · A protector of

Gopala

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Gopaul

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Bhopal

International · A International name

Royal

American · English

Conal

Ireland · hound / wolf

How is Gopal written in other languages?

Nepali), गोपाळ

Marathi), গোপাল (Bengali), గోపాల్ (Telugu), கோபால் (Tamil), ಗೋಪಾಲ್ (Kannada

Common questions about the name Gopal

What does the name Gopal mean?

Gopal means "protector of cows" — 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 Gopal?

Gopal 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 Gopal?

Gopal 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 Gopal?

Gopal is a two-syllable name pronounced G OW2 P AA1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Gopal a common or rare name?

Gopal is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.