Gautam
Meaninga name of the Buddha · Sanskrit
Gautam is an Indian boy name meaning “a name of the Buddha”, 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?
- GenerationGautam peaked in 1979, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Gautam you'd meet today is about 46 years old. Now it's back in style, so there's a whole new generation of baby Gautams too.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Gautam would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 169,492 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryGautam first shows up in US birth records in 1972, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 53 years since.
US births per million boys, 1972–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Gautam
Gautam is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “a name of the Buddha”. 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 Gautam
What does the name Gautam mean?
Gautam means “a name of the Buddha” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Rahul (“son of the Buddha”).
What is the origin of the name Gautam?
Gautam 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 Gautam a boy or girl name?
Gautam is a boy name. In 2025, 10 US boys were named Gautam.
How popular is the name Gautam?
Gautam ranked #7,679 for US boys in 2025, given to 10 babies. Its best year was 1979, when it reached #2,777. Over the last five years it has slipped 2,228 places.
What names are similar to Gautam?
If you like Gautam, you might also like Rahul.
What should I know before naming my baby Gautam?
Gautam is an Indian boy name meaning “a name of the Buddha”, 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.