Chandan
Meaningsandalwood · Sanskrit
Chandan is an Indian boy name meaning “sandalwood”, 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 simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Chandan would score 13 points, thanks largely to the H (worth 4).
- GenerationChandan peaked in 1998, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Chandan you'd meet today is about 27 years old.
- HistoryChandan first shows up in US birth records in 1997, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 28 years since.
US births per million boys, 1997–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Chandan
Chandan is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “sandalwood”. 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 Chandan
What does the name Chandan mean?
Chandan means “sandalwood” and comes from Sanskrit.
What is the origin of the name Chandan?
Chandan 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 Chandan a boy or girl name?
Chandan is a boy name.
How popular is the name Chandan?
Chandan is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2012. It peaked at #7,560 in 1998, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Chandan?
Chandan is an Indian boy name meaning “sandalwood”, 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 simple to spell and say, 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.