Arnab
Meaningocean · Bengali
Arnab is an Indian boy name meaning “ocean”, with Bengali roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- GenerationArnab peaked in 1978, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Arnab you'd meet today is about 47 years old.
- HistoryArnab first shows up in US birth records in 1978, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 47 years since.
US births per million boys, 1978–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Arnab
Arnab is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “ocean”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the consonant at the end gives it a confident finish. It hit its peak in the 1970s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Indian names
More Indian boy names
- Unisex name: Makai · toward the sea
- Boy name: Arjun · bright, shining
- Boy name: Zain · beauty, grace
- Unisex name: Idris · possibly studious
- Boy name: Aarav · peaceful, calm
- Unisex name: Rohan · ascending
- Unisex name: Aryan · noble
- Boy name: Ishaan · lord, ruler
Questions about the name Arnab
What does the name Arnab mean?
Arnab means “ocean” and comes from Bengali. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Ocean (“ocean”), Arnav (“ocean”) and Wave (“ocean wave”).
What is the origin of the name Arnab?
Arnab is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Bengali. Other Indian names to consider are Makai (“toward the sea”), Arjun (“bright, shining”), Zain (“beauty, grace”) and Idris (“possibly studious”).
Is Arnab a boy or girl name?
Arnab is a boy name.
How popular is the name Arnab?
Arnab is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2016. It peaked at #5,772 in 1978, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Arnab?
If you like Arnab, you might also like Ocean, Arnav and Wave.
What should I know before naming my baby Arnab?
Arnab is an Indian boy name meaning “ocean”, with Bengali roots. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.