Raghav
BoySanskrit· “descendant of Raghu, a name of Rama”
- Meaning
- descendant of Raghu, a name of Rama
- Origin
- Sanskrit
- Pronunciation
- RAH-guhv
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,835
- US babies 2025
- 87
- Best rank
- #1,835 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Raghav
Raghav is a Sanskrit name that means “descendant of Raghu, a name of Rama”.
Raghav is a Sanskrit name meaning "descendant of Raghu," a legendary king of the solar dynasty, and it is a name of Rama, the hero of the Ramayana, who belonged to Raghu's line. It is widely used in India. It is said RAH-guv. Raghavan and Raghavendra are related names. Rags and Ravi are possible nicknames. For families who revere the Ramayana, it carries a direct link to Rama and his line. Raghavan is the form common in South India.
Popularity over time
Raghav first appears in US Social Security records in 1990. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #1,835, and its highest count, 87 babies. Use has grown 32% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #3,276 in 2000, #2,502 in 2010, and #1,835 in 2025. Of the 1,335 US boys named Raghav since records began, 37% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 445 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Evans, Sai, Asael, Zarek, and Jareth.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Raghav ranked highest in New Jersey, Washington, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #687 | 10 |
| Washington | #791 | 8 |
| California | #1033 | 21 |
| Illinois | #1248 | 6 |
| Texas | #1627 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Raghav is usually pronounced RAH-guhv, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with R and ends in “-av”.
Middle names for Raghav
A few middle names that flow with Raghav: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Raghav
Similar names
Lists that include Raghav
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Raghav mean?
Raghav is a Sanskrit name that means “descendant of Raghu, a name of Rama”.
What is the origin of the name Raghav?
Raghav has Sanskrit roots. Raghav is a Sanskrit name meaning "descendant of Raghu," a legendary king of the solar dynasty, and it is a name of Rama, the hero of the Ramayana, who belonged to Raghu's line.
Is Raghav a popular name?
Not especially. Raghav ranked #1,835 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Raghav a boy or girl name?
Raghav is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Raghav?
Raghav is usually pronounced RAH-guhv. 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