Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Rishi
BoySanskrit, Hindi· “sage, seer”
- Meaning
- sage, seer
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- RIH-shee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,059
- US babies 2025
- 207
- Best rank
- #938 (2008)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Rishi
Rishi is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “sage, seer”.
Rishi comes from Sanskrit and means sage or seer. In Hindu tradition, the rishis were the inspired poets to whom the hymns of the Vedas were revealed, and the word still carries a strong sense of wisdom and spiritual insight. As a given name, Rishi is widely used in India and among families of Indian heritage everywhere. It is short, clear and easy to pronounce in English, which helps it cross cultures smoothly. The name feels thoughtful and dignified while remaining friendly, and it rarely needs a nickname.
Popularity over time
Rishi first appears in US Social Security records in 1974. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 5 different years, starting in 2004. Its best national rank was #938 in 2008, and the most babies received it in 2023, when 229 were named Rishi. In 2025, 207 babies were named Rishi, and it ranked #1,059 nationally. That is 54% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,389 in 1980, #1,462 in 2000, #1,117 in 2010, and #1,059 in 2025. Of the 5,142 US boys named Rishi since records began, 31% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,322 babies. Since 2010, 2,478 more have been named Rishi.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Cartier, Yeshua, Kooper, Osman, and Mael.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rishi ranked highest in New Jersey, California, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #445 | 18 |
| California | #598 | 50 |
| Washington | #674 | 10 |
| Massachusetts | #683 | 7 |
| Oregon | #688 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Rishi is usually pronounced RIH-shee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with R and ends in “-hi”.
Middle names for Rishi
A few middle names that flow with Rishi: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rishi
Similar names
Bodhi Boy
BOH-dee
“awakening, enlightenment” · Sanskrit
#265
Amar Boy
uh-MAHR
“immortal” · Sanskrit
#1,388
Ajay Boy
uh-JAY
“unconquerable” · Sanskrit
#2,230
Ishan Boy
ee-SHAHN
“lord, ruler” · Sanskrit
#1,877
Aaryan Boy
AHR-yuhn
“noble” · Sanskrit
#2,020
Ravi Boy
RAH-vee
“sun” · Sanskrit
#1,249
Avyan Boy
AHV-yahn
“modern Indian name; meaning uncertain” · Sanskrit
#1,334
Arjun Boy
AHR-juhn
“white, bright, shining” · Sanskrit
#490
Aarav Boy
AH-rahv
“uncertain; popularly 'peaceful'” · Sanskrit
#710
Rohan Boy
ROH-hahn
“ascending” · Sanskrit
#812
Vihaan Boy
vee-HAHN
“dawn, morning” · Sanskrit
#910
Ishaan Boy
ee-SHAHN
“lord, ruler” · Sanskrit
#895
Lists that include Rishi
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rishi mean?
Rishi is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “sage, seer”.
What is the origin of the name Rishi?
Rishi has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Rishi comes from Sanskrit and means sage or seer.
Is Rishi a popular name?
Not especially. Rishi ranked #1,059 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Rishi a boy or girl name?
Rishi is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Rishi?
Rishi is usually pronounced RIH-shee. 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