Arun
Meaningdawn · Sanskrit
Arun is an Indian boy name meaning “dawn”, 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?
- GenerationArun peaked in 1979, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Arun you'd meet today is about 46 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Arun would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 142,857 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryArun first shows up in US birth records in 1966, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 59 years since.
US births per million boys, 1966–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Arun
Arun is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “dawn”. 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 Arun
What does the name Arun mean?
Arun means “dawn” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Vihaan (“dawn”), Ahaan (“dawn”), Aahan (“dawn, first light”) and Zoran (“dawn”).
What is the origin of the name Arun?
Arun 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 Arun a boy or girl name?
Arun is a boy name. In 2025, 12 US boys were named Arun.
How popular is the name Arun?
Arun ranked #6,803 for US boys in 2025, given to 12 babies. Its best year was 1979, when it reached #1,867. Over the last five years it has slipped 2,528 places.
What names are similar to Arun?
If you like Arun, you might also like Vihaan, Ahaan, Aahan and Zoran.
What should I know before naming my baby Arun?
Arun is an Indian boy name meaning “dawn”, 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.