Gopal
Meaningcowherd, Krishna · Sanskrit
Gopal is an Indian boy name meaning “cowherd, Krishna”, 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?
- GenerationGopal peaked in 1983, which makes it a Millennial name. The typical Gopal you'd meet today is about 42 years old.
- HistoryGopal first shows up in US birth records in 1975, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 50 years since.
US births per million boys, 1975–2025
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 Gopal
Gopal is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “cowherd, Krishna”. 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 1980s, 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 Gopal
What does the name Gopal mean?
Gopal means “cowherd, Krishna” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Unai (“cowherd”) and Govind (“cowherd, Krishna”).
What is the origin of the name Gopal?
Gopal 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 Gopal a boy or girl name?
Gopal is a boy name.
How popular is the name Gopal?
Gopal is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2020. It peaked at #4,499 in 1983, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Gopal?
If you like Gopal, you might also like Unai and Govind.
What should I know before naming my baby Gopal?
Gopal is an Indian boy name meaning “cowherd, Krishna”, 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.