Shiv

“The auspicious one, Lord Shiva”

India origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1782US 2023

91Births / yr

↑Rising

1.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 198400

What does Shiv mean and where does it come from?

Shiv is derived from the name Shiva, a major deity in Hinduism known for destruction and regeneration. The name carries immense cultural weight in India, referring to qualities of auspiciousness and power. In modern usage, particularly in Western contexts, it may also be seen as a shorter form or ni

Cultural significance

Shiv has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the auspicious one, lord shiva.

Peak popularity

Reached #1740 in 2014 — currently #1782 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Shiv?

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

Shiv Grace

How popular is Shiv right now?

Rising fast — up 53 spots — currently #1782 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#1782 · Top 1.3%

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1782	91	▲ up 53 · +3% births
2022	#1835	88	▲ up 271 · +28% births
2021	#2106	69	▼ down 149 · -5% births
2020	#1957	73	▲ up 36
2015	#1993	73	▲ up 56 · +9% births
2010	#2049	67	▲ up 78 · +16% births
2005	#2127	58	▼ down 115 · +14% births
2000	#2012	51	▲ up 382 · +55% births
1995	#2394	33	▲ up 3343 · +267% births
1990	#5737	9	▲ up 1673 · +80% births
1985	#7410	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shiv

Best Year2023Rank #1782

Peak Count91

Average Rank#2855

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1985 - 202311 years

The story of Shiv

Shiv is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1984. With 1,761 total births recorded, Shiv remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7410 in 1985 to #1782 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Shiv in 2014:

Noah Liam Mason Jacob William

Shiv by decade

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

Decade	Births
1980s	51
1990s	291
2000s	627
2010s ★	719
2020s	73

💎With 1,761 total births, Shiv is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Shiv?

Common

ShivieShivy

What names sound and feel like Shiv?

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

Shig

Japanese · To shine, to

Shin

Japan · True, genuine

India · Bringer of good

Sri

India · Wealth, prosperity, radiance.

Sharv

India · excellent

How is Shiv written in other languages?

Marathi), ਸ਼ਿਵ

Gurmukhi

Common questions about the name Shiv

What does the name Shiv mean?

Shiv means "The auspicious one, Lord Shiva" — 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 Shiv?

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

What is the cultural origin of Shiv?

Shiv 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 does Shiv sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Shiv flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Shiv ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.

Is Shiv trending right now?

Shiv is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.