Dhruv
Meaningsteadfast, pole star · Sanskrit
Dhruv is an Indian boy name meaning “steadfast, pole star”, 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 short and punchy, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with a longer middle name.
Did you know?
- Word funEvery letter in Dhruv is in alphabetical order: D-H-R-U-V. That's rarer than you'd think.
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Dhruv would score 12 points, thanks largely to the H (worth 4).
- GenerationDhruv peaked in 2019, which makes it a Gen Alpha name. The typical Dhruv you'd meet today is about 6 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Dhruv would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 8,757 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryDhruv first shows up in US birth records in 1987, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 38 years since.
- Where it's lovedWant to meet a lot of Dhruvs? Head to Washington, where it's the #382 boy name, its best showing of any state.
US births per million boys, 1987–2025
Most popular states (2025)
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Dhruv
Dhruv is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “steadfast, pole star”. Short and strong, it's said in a single beat with a crisp finish, so it pairs easily with a longer middle name. It hit its peak in the 2010s, 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 Dhruv
What does the name Dhruv mean?
Dhruv means “steadfast, pole star” and comes from Sanskrit. Names built around “star” have been loved for generations, and give a child a meaning worth sharing when someone asks about their name. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Tariq (“morning star”), Star (“star”), Astro (“star”) and Starr (“star”).
What is the origin of the name Dhruv?
Dhruv 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 Dhruv a boy or girl name?
Dhruv is a boy name. In 2025, 195 US boys were named Dhruv.
How popular is the name Dhruv?
Dhruv ranked #1,097 for US boys in 2025, given to 195 babies. Its best year was 2019, when it reached #997. Over the last five years it has slipped 39 places.
What names are similar to Dhruv?
If you like Dhruv, you might also like Tariq, Star, Astro and Starr.
What should I know before naming my baby Dhruv?
Dhruv is an Indian boy name meaning “steadfast, pole star”, 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 short and punchy, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with a longer middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.