Narayan
Meaninga name of Vishnu · Sanskrit
Narayan is an Indian boy name meaning “a name of Vishnu”, 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 flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Narayan has the name Rayan hiding inside it.
- Word funNarayan starts and ends with the same letter, N. A neat little bookend.
- GenerationNarayan peaked in 2014, which makes it a Gen Alpha name. The typical Narayan you'd meet today is about 11 years old.
- HistoryNarayan first shows up in US birth records in 1973, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 52 years since.
US births per million boys, 1973–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Narayan
Narayan is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “a name of Vishnu”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It hit its peak in the 2010s, 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 Narayan
What does the name Narayan mean?
Narayan means “a name of Vishnu” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Hari (“Vishnu; golden-tawny”), Achyut (“imperishable, a name of Vishnu”), Harish (“lord Vishnu”) and Kaustubh (“a jewel of Vishnu”).
What is the origin of the name Narayan?
Narayan 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 Narayan a boy or girl name?
Narayan is a boy name.
How popular is the name Narayan?
Narayan is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2022. It peaked at #4,538 in 2014, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Narayan?
If you like Narayan, you might also like Hari, Achyut, Harish and Kaustubh.
What should I know before naming my baby Narayan?
Narayan is an Indian boy name meaning “a name of Vishnu”, 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 flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.