Ganesh
Meaninglord of the hosts · Sanskrit
Ganesh is an Indian boy name meaning “lord of the hosts”, 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?
- Word funGanesh doesn't repeat a single letter: 6 letters, all different.
- GenerationGanesh peaked in 1993, which makes it a Millennial name. The typical Ganesh you'd meet today is about 32 years old.
- HistoryGanesh first shows up in US birth records in 1977, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 48 years since.
US births per million boys, 1977–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Ganesh
Ganesh is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “lord of the hosts”. 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 1990s, 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 Ganesh
What does the name Ganesh mean?
Ganesh means “lord of the hosts” and comes from Sanskrit.
What is the origin of the name Ganesh?
Ganesh 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 Ganesh a boy or girl name?
Ganesh is a boy name.
How popular is the name Ganesh?
Ganesh is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2021. It peaked at #4,227 in 1993, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Ganesh?
Ganesh is an Indian boy name meaning “lord of the hosts”, 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.