Ashok
Meaningwithout sorrow · Sanskrit
Ashok is an Indian boy name meaning “without sorrow”, 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?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Ashok would score 12 points, thanks largely to the K (worth 5).
- GenerationAshok peaked in 1969, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Ashok you'd meet today is about 56 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Ashok would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 344,828 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryAshok first shows up in US birth records in 1950, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 75 years since.
US births per million boys, 1950–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Ashok
Ashok is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “without sorrow”. 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 1960s, 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 Ashok
What does the name Ashok mean?
Ashok means “without sorrow” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Advait (“without a second, unique”), Aniket (“without a home, Shiva”) and Diarmaid (“without envy”).
What is the origin of the name Ashok?
Ashok 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 Ashok a boy or girl name?
Ashok is a boy name. In 2025, 5 US boys were named Ashok.
How popular is the name Ashok?
Ashok ranked #12,008 for US boys in 2025, given to 5 babies. Its best year was 1969, when it reached #2,861.
What names are similar to Ashok?
If you like Ashok, you might also like Advait, Aniket and Diarmaid.
What should I know before naming my baby Ashok?
Ashok is an Indian boy name meaning “without sorrow”, 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.