Keshav
Meaninglong-haired, Krishna · Sanskrit
Keshav is an Indian boy name meaning “long-haired, 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 simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- Word funKeshav doesn't repeat a single letter: 6 letters, all different.
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Keshav would score 16 points, thanks largely to the K (worth 5).
- GenerationKeshav is having its moment right now. Most Keshavs are still in diapers or at preschool, so picture a Gen Alpha or Gen Beta kid.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Keshav would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 24,752 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryKeshav 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 Keshavs? Head to New Jersey, where it's the #766 boy name, its best showing of any state.
US births per million boys, 1987–2025
Most popular states (2025)
Similar names
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Keshav
Keshav is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “long-haired, Krishna”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the consonant at the end gives it a confident finish. It has been around for generations, yet it's never been more loved than it is today. 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 Keshav
What does the name Keshav mean?
Keshav means “long-haired, Krishna” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Madhav (“sweet as honey, Krishna”), Shyam (“dark, Krishna”), Pradyumna (“son of Krishna”) and Brijesh (“lord of Braj, Krishna”).
What is the origin of the name Keshav?
Keshav 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 Keshav a boy or girl name?
Keshav is a boy name. In 2025, 69 US boys were named Keshav.
How popular is the name Keshav?
Keshav ranked #2,108 for US boys in 2025, given to 69 babies. That's its best rank ever: the name is at the height of its popularity right now. Over the last five years it has climbed 738 places.
What names are similar to Keshav?
If you like Keshav, you might also like Madhav, Shyam, Pradyumna and Brijesh.
What should I know before naming my baby Keshav?
Keshav is an Indian boy name meaning “long-haired, 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 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.