Rakesh

“Lord of the moon” — Associated with the moon and signifies a person who emits a calm a

India origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1447US 2023

753Births / yr

→Stable

440All-time births

📅 Since 196600

How to pronounce Rakesh

RAK·ESH

/ˈræk.ˈɛʃ/ · stress on RAK · 2 syllables

“Lord of the moon”

Associated with the moon and signifies a person who emits a calm a · India origin

What does Rakesh mean and where does it come from?

Rakesh is a popular name in India, derived from the Sanskrit elements 'Rā' (moon) and 'Isha' (lord). The name is often associated with the moon and signifies a person who emits a calm and tranquil energy, much like the moonlight. It is used widely across various cultures in India and Nepal, and nota

Cultural significance

Rakesh has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lord of the moon.

Peak popularity

Reached #2395 in 1982 — currently #1447 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Rakesh?

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

Rakesh Grace

How popular is Rakesh right now?

Holding steady — currently #1447 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#1447 · Top 1.1%

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1447	753	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1452	733	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1457	703	▲ up 11118 · +13960% births
2010	#12575	5	▼ down 6111 · -50% births
2000	#6464	10	▲ up 2788 · +100% births
1995	#9252	5	▼ down 3690 · -44% births
1990	#5562	9	▼ down 2400 · -40% births
1985	#3162	15	▼ down 736 · -29% births
1980	#2426	21	▲ up 106 · +24% births
1975	#2532	17	▲ up 956 · +89% births
1970	#3488	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Rakesh

Best Year2023Rank #1447

Peak Count753

Average Rank#4529

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1970 - 202311 years

The story of Rakesh

Rakesh is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1966. With 440 total births recorded, Rakesh remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3488 in 1970 to #1447 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Rakesh in 1982:

Michael Christopher Matthew Jason David

Rakesh by decade

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

Decade	Births
1960s	16
1970s	129
1980s ★	153
1990s	74
2000s	57
2010s	11

💎Rakesh has only 440 total recorded births since 1966 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Rakesh?

Common

RakRakieRakyAkesh

What names sound and feel like Rakesh?

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

India · victorious or success

How is Rakesh written in other languages?

Marathi), રાકેશ

Gujarati), ਰਾਕੇਸ਼ (Gurmukhi), ರಾಕೇಶ್ (Kannada), രാകേഷ് (Malayalam), ராகேஷ் (Tamil), రాకేష్ (Telugu

Common questions about the name Rakesh

What does the name Rakesh mean?

Rakesh means "Lord of the moon" — 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 Rakesh?

Rakesh 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 Rakesh?

Rakesh 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 Rakesh?

Rakesh is a two-syllable name pronounced R AE1 K EH1 SH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Rakesh a common or rare name?

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