Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Vivek
BoySanskrit· “wisdom, discernment”
- Meaning
- wisdom, discernment
- Origin
- Sanskrit
- Pronunciation
- vih-VAYK
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- Unranked
- US babies 2025
- 0
- Best rank
- #1,617 (1993)
- Peak year
- 2004
Meaning and origin of Vivek
Vivek is a Sanskrit name that means “wisdom, discernment”.
Vivek is a Sanskrit name meaning wisdom or discernment, from viveka, the ability to distinguish between the real and the unreal. It is a key concept in Hindu philosophy. The name is associated with Swami Vivekananda, the monk who introduced Hindu philosophy to the West in the late nineteenth century. Vivek is common in India and among Indian American families. It is said vih-VAYK, with the stress on the second syllable. Viv would make a friendly nickname.
Popularity over time
Vivek first appears in US Social Security records in 1963. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,617 in 1993, and the most babies received it in 2004, when 75 were named Vivek. It did not appear in the 2025 data, which only lists names given to at least five babies.
Its national rank moved from #2,535 in 1980, #1,664 in 2000, and #4,229 in 2010. Of the 1,771 US boys named Vivek since records began, 32% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 449 babies. Since 2010, 240 more have been named Vivek.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Nevan, Damen, Cutter, Aramis, and Vishal.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Vivek is usually pronounced vih-VAYK, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with V and ends in “-ek”.
Middle names for Vivek
A few middle names that flow with Vivek: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Vivek
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Lists that include Vivek
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Vivek mean?
Vivek is a Sanskrit name that means “wisdom, discernment”.
What is the origin of the name Vivek?
Vivek has Sanskrit roots. Vivek is a Sanskrit name meaning wisdom or discernment, from viveka, the ability to distinguish between the real and the unreal.
Is Vivek a popular name?
No. Vivek was not recorded for five or more babies of its most common sex in 2025, so it is rare today.
Is Vivek a boy or girl name?
Vivek is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Vivek?
Vivek is usually pronounced vih-VAYK. 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