Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Rahul
BoySanskrit, Hindi· “efficient; name of Buddha's son”
- Meaning
- efficient; name of Buddha's son
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- rah-HOOL
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #9,498
- US babies 2025
- 8
- Best rank
- #818 (2000)
- Peak year
- 2000
Meaning and origin of Rahul
Rahul is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that is usually said to mean “efficient; name of Buddha's son”.
Rahul is a Hindi and Sanskrit name that recalls Rahula, the only son of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Rahula later became a monk and one of his father's disciples. The meaning of the name is debated: Buddhist tradition links it to rahu, fetter, while modern Indian naming books often give efficient or capable. Rahul is common in India. It is said rah-HOOL. Rahu, a figure in Hindu astronomy, is related in sound. The name became widespread across India in the twentieth century and is now an everyday modern name.
Popularity over time
Rahul first appears in US Social Security records in 1966. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 7 different years, starting in 1998. Its best national rank was #818 in 2000, the same year it reached its highest count of 196 babies. In 2025, 8 babies were named Rahul, and it ranked #9,498 nationally. That is 43% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,585 in 1980, #818 in 2000, #2,282 in 2010, and #9,498 in 2025. Of the 3,332 US boys named Rahul since records began, 41% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 977 babies. Since 2010, 309 more have been named Rahul.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Fidel, Sabastian, Jalon, Deontae, and Garett.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Rahul is usually pronounced rah-HOOL, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with R and ends in “-ul”.
Middle names for Rahul
A few middle names that flow with Rahul: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rahul
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Lists that include Rahul
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rahul mean?
Rahul is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that is usually said to mean “efficient; name of Buddha's son”.
What is the origin of the name Rahul?
Rahul has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Rahul is a Hindi and Sanskrit name that recalls Rahula, the only son of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.
Is Rahul a popular name?
Not especially. Rahul ranked #9,498 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Rahul a boy or girl name?
Rahul is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Rahul?
Rahul is usually pronounced rah-HOOL. 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