Keshav

“The one with long, beautiful hair” — Associated with Lord Krishna

India origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#2206US 2023

65Births / yr

↑Rising

1.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 198700

How to pronounce Keshav

KESH·ay·VEE

/ˈkɛʃ.ˌeɪ.ˈviː/ · stress on KESH · 3 syllables

“The one with long, beautiful hair”

Associated with Lord Krishna · India origin

What does Keshav mean and where does it come from?

Keshav (केशव) is a traditional Indian name derived from the Sanskrit words 'Kesha' (केश) meaning 'hair' and 'v' (व) denoting an epithet. It is associated with Lord Krishna, a major deity in Hinduism. The name is prevalent in various Indian communities, particularly among Hindus. Keshav is a widely u

Cultural significance

Keshav has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the one with long, beautiful hair.

Peak popularity

Reached #2205 in 2010 — currently #2206 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Keshav?

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

Keshav Grace

How popular is Keshav right now?

Rising fast — up 605 spots — currently #2206 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#2206 · Top 1.6%

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#2206	65	▲ up 605 · +41% births
2022	#2811	46	▼ down 16 · +2% births
2021	#2795	45	▲ up 56 · +7% births
2020	#2851	42	▼ down 384 · -18% births
2015	#2467	51	▼ down 262 · -15% births
2010	#2205	60	▲ up 797 · +71% births
2005	#3002	35	▼ down 208 · +6% births
2000	#2794	33	▲ up 2260 · +175% births
1995	#5054	12	▲ up 1969 · +71% births
1990	#7023	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Keshav

Best Year2010Rank #2205

Peak Count65

Average Rank#3321

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1990 - 202310 years

The story of Keshav

Keshav is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1987. With 1,147 total births recorded, Keshav remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7023 in 1990 to #2206 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Keshav in 2010:

Jacob Ethan Michael Jayden William

Keshav by decade

Keshav peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	6
1990s	146
2000s	421
2010s ★	532
2020s	42

💎With 1,147 total births, Keshav is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Keshav?

Common

KesKeEshav

What names sound and feel like Keshav?

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

India · One with beautiful

Common questions about the name Keshav

What does the name Keshav mean?

Keshav means "The one with long, beautiful hair" — 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 Keshav?

Keshav is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Keshav have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Keshav?

Keshav 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 Keshav?

Keshav is a three-syllable name pronounced K EH1 SH 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 Keshav?

Keshav 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.