Nakul
Meaningone of the Pandava brothers · Sanskrit
Nakul is an Indian boy name meaning “one of the Pandava brothers”, 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?
- GenerationNakul peaked in 2004, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Nakul you'd meet today is about 21 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Nakul would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 344,828 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryNakul first shows up in US birth records in 1988, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 37 years since.
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Nakul
Nakul is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “one of the Pandava brothers”. 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 2000s, 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 Nakul
What does the name Nakul mean?
Nakul means “one of the Pandava brothers” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Sahdev (“one of the Pandava brothers”).
What is the origin of the name Nakul?
Nakul 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 Nakul a boy or girl name?
Nakul is a boy name. In 2025, 5 US boys were named Nakul.
How popular is the name Nakul?
Nakul ranked #12,008 for US boys in 2025, given to 5 babies. Its best year was 2004, when it reached #5,246.
What names are similar to Nakul?
If you like Nakul, you might also like Sahdev.
What should I know before naming my baby Nakul?
Nakul is an Indian boy name meaning “one of the Pandava brothers”, 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.