Arnav
Meaningocean · Sanskrit
Arnav is an Indian boy name meaning “ocean”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. 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?
- GenerationArnav peaked in 2011, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Arnav you'd meet today is about 14 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Arnav would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 39,683 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryArnav first shows up in US birth records in 1991, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 34 years since.
US births per million boys, 1991–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Arnav
Arnav 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's a fresh, modern name that only arrived in US birth records in recent decades. 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 Arnav
What does the name Arnav mean?
Arnav means “ocean” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Ocean (“ocean”), Wave (“ocean wave”) and Arnab (“ocean”).
What is the origin of the name Arnav?
Arnav is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Makai (“toward the sea”), Arjun (“bright, shining”), Zain (“beauty, grace”) and Idris (“possibly studious”).
Is Arnav a boy or girl name?
Arnav is a boy name. In 2025, 43 US boys were named Arnav.
How popular is the name Arnav?
Arnav ranked #2,884 for US boys in 2025, given to 43 babies. Its best year was 2011, when it reached #855. Over the last five years it has slipped 592 places.
What names are similar to Arnav?
If you like Arnav, you might also like Ocean, Wave and Arnab.
What should I know before naming my baby Arnav?
Arnav is an Indian boy name meaning “ocean”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. 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.