What does Shantanu mean and where does it come from?
Shantanu (शंतनु) is a popular male name of Sanskrit origin, primarily used in India. In Hindu mythology, Shantanu was a king of Hastinapura and the father of Bhishma, a central figure in the Mahabharata epic. The name signifies a person who is serene and composed. It has been used since ancient time
Cultural significance
Shantanu has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of wholesome, peaceful, calm.
Peak popularity
Reached #7446 in 2002 — currently #1424 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Shantanu?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Shantanu?
Shantanu works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shantanu Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Shantanu John
One syllable · timeless choice
Shantanu Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Shantanu Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Shantanu Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Shantanu Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Shantanu right now?
Holding steady — currently #1424 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1424 | 776 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1429 | 756 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1434 | 726 | ▲ up 8739 · +10271% births |
| 2010 | #10173 | 7 | ▼ down 733 · +40% births |
| 1990 | #9440 | 5 | — |
The story of Shantanu
Shantanu is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1990. With 69 total births recorded, Shantanu remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9440 in 1990 to #1424 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shantanu in 2002:
💎Shantanu has only 69 total recorded births since 1990 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shantanu?
What names sound and feel like Shantanu?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shantanu also consider these
How is Shantanu written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Shantanu
What does the name Shantanu mean?
Shantanu means "wholesome, peaceful, calm" — 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 Shantanu?
Shantanu 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 Shantanu?
Shantanu 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 Shantanu?
Shantanu is a three-syllable name pronounced SHANT-AH-noo. 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 Shantanu?
Shantanu 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.