Nitish
Meaninglord of right conduct · Sanskrit
Nitish is an Indian boy name meaning “lord of right conduct”, 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?
- GenerationNitish peaked in 2005, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Nitish you'd meet today is about 20 years old.
- HistoryNitish first shows up in US birth records in 2001, the first year at least 5 babies got it. That makes it a fairly new name, younger than many of today's parents.
US births per million boys, 2001–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Nitish
Nitish is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “lord of right conduct”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the consonant at the end gives it a confident finish. It's a fresh, modern name that only arrived in US birth records in recent decades. 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 Nitish
What does the name Nitish mean?
Nitish means “lord of right conduct” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Nitin (“follower of right conduct”).
What is the origin of the name Nitish?
Nitish 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 Nitish a boy or girl name?
Nitish is a boy name.
How popular is the name Nitish?
Nitish is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2011. It peaked at #5,578 in 2005, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Nitish?
If you like Nitish, you might also like Nitin.
What should I know before naming my baby Nitish?
Nitish is an Indian boy name meaning “lord of right conduct”, 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.