Shankar

“to bring about happiness.”

India origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#710US 2023

1.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

80All-time births

📅 Since 198500

How to pronounce Shankar

SHANGK·ahr

/ˈʃæŋk.ɑr/ · stress on SHANGK · 2 syllables

“to bring about happiness.”

India origin · Boy name

What does Shankar mean and where does it come from?

Shankar is a prominent name in India and Nepal, deeply rooted in Hindu culture. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Shankara' (शंकर), which means 'to bring about happiness.' Shankar is also one of the names of Lord Shiva, symbolizing auspiciousness. It is a name that is widely used in variou

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #6431 in 1997 — currently #710 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Shankar?

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

Shankar Grace

How popular is Shankar right now?

Holding steady — currently #710 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#710 · Top 0.52%

1985

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#710	1,490	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#715	1,470	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#720	1,440	▲ up 8989 · +23900% births
2000	#9709	6	▼ down 2150 · +20% births
1985	#7559	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shankar

Best Year2023Rank #710

Peak Count1,490

Average Rank#3883

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1985 - 20235 years

The story of Shankar

Shankar is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1985. With 80 total births recorded, Shankar remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7559 in 1985 to #710 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Shankar in 1997:

Michael Jacob Matthew Christopher Joshua

Shankar by decade

Shankar peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	10
1990s ★	29
2000s	18
2010s	23

💎Shankar has only 80 total recorded births since 1985 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Shankar?

Common

ShaShieShyAnkar

What names sound and feel like Shankar?

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

Shakar

Middle Eastern countries · Grateful; thankful

Shayar

India · poet

Sanskar

India · Culture, refinement, education,

Shanta

India · Peace; calmness; serenity

International · A International name

How is Shankar written in other languages?

Marathi), ಶಂಕರ್

Kannada), ശങ്കർ (Malayalam), శంకర్ (Telugu), சங்கர் (Tamil), শংকর (Bengali), शङ्कर (Nepali

Common questions about the name Shankar

What does the name Shankar mean?

Shankar means "Sanskrit" — 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 Shankar?

Shankar is currently ranked #710 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 Shankar?

Shankar 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 Shankar?

Shankar is a two-syllable name pronounced SH AE1 NG K AA0 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What are good nicknames for Shankar?

Shankar naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.