Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Ishan
BoySanskrit, Hindi· “lord, ruler”
- Meaning
- lord, ruler
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- ee-SHAHN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,877
- US babies 2025
- 84
- Best rank
- #1,214 (2009)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Ishan
Ishan is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “lord, ruler”.
Ishan comes from Sanskrit, where it means lord or ruler. In Hindu tradition Ishana is one of the names of the god Shiva, and it is also associated with the northeast direction, which is considered auspicious. The name has been used in India for a long time and remains a popular choice among Hindu families worldwide. In English it is easy to spell and usually pronounced ee-SHAHN or ih-SHAHN. Its short, polished sound makes it comfortable in many languages.
Popularity over time
Ishan first appears in US Social Security records in 1982. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,214 in 2009, the same year it reached its highest count of 148 babies. In 2025, 84 babies were named Ishan, and it ranked #1,877 nationally. That is 26% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,646 in 2000, #1,335 in 2010, and #1,877 in 2025. Of the 2,737 US boys named Ishan since records began, 38% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 978 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Neel, Blayne, Bayron, Grayden, and Caeden.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ishan ranked highest in New Jersey, California, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #1091 | 5 |
| California | #1171 | 17 |
| Ohio | #1359 | 5 |
| Illinois | #1366 | 5 |
| Texas | #1374 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Ishan is usually pronounced ee-SHAHN, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with I and ends in “-an”.
Middle names for Ishan
A few middle names that flow with Ishan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ishan
Similar names
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Lists that include Ishan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ishan mean?
Ishan is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “lord, ruler”.
What is the origin of the name Ishan?
Ishan has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Ishan comes from Sanskrit, where it means lord or ruler.
Is Ishan a popular name?
Not especially. Ishan ranked #1,877 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Ishan a boy or girl name?
Ishan is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Ishan?
Ishan is usually pronounced ee-SHAHN. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings