What does Madhav mean and where does it come from?
Madhav (माधव) is of Sanskrit origin and is primarily used in India and Nepal. The name is often associated with Lord Krishna, one of the most popular deities in Hinduism, symbolizing love, compassion, and joy. It has been in use since ancient times and remains prevalent in Hindu communities. The nam
Cultural significance
Madhav has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of one who is sweet like honey.
Peak popularity
Reached #3418 in 2025 — currently #3418 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Madhav?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Madhav?
Madhav works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Madhav Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Madhav John
One syllable · timeless choice
Madhav Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Madhav Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Madhav Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Madhav Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Madhav right now?
Rising — up 14 spots — currently #3418 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3418 | 34 | ▲ up 14 |
| 2024 | #3432 | 34 | ▼ down 42 · -3% births |
| 2023 | #3390 | 35 | ▲ up 195 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #3585 | 32 | ▲ up 33 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #3618 | 31 | ▲ up 1688 · +82% births |
| 2020 | #5306 | 17 | ▼ down 1356 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #3950 | 27 | ▼ down 348 · -10% births |
| 2010 | #3602 | 30 | ▲ up 1627 · +88% births |
| 2005 | #5229 | 16 | ▲ up 6054 · +220% births |
| 2000 | #11283 | 5 | — |
The story of Madhav
Madhav is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1992. With 476 total births recorded, Madhav remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11283 in 2000 to #3390 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Madhav in 2025:
Madhav by decade
Madhav peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 44 | |
| 2000s | 162 | |
| 2010s ★ | 253 | |
| 2020s | 85 | |
💎Madhav has only 476 total recorded births since 1992 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Madhav?
What names sound and feel like Madhav?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Madhav also consider these
How is Madhav written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Madhav?
Common questions about the name Madhav
What does the name Madhav mean?
Madhav means "one who is sweet like honey" — 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 Madhav?
Madhav is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Madhav have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Madhav?
Madhav 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.
Is Madhav trending right now?
Madhav is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Madhav a common or rare name?
Madhav is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.