Prakash
Meaninglight, brightness · Sanskrit
Prakash is an Indian boy name meaning “light, brightness”, 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?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Prakash has the name Kash hiding inside it.
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Prakash would score 16 points, thanks largely to the K (worth 5).
- GenerationPrakash peaked in 1972, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Prakash you'd meet today is about 53 years old.
- HistoryPrakash first shows up in US birth records in 1972, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 53 years since.
US births per million boys, 1972–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Prakash
Prakash is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “light, brightness”. 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 1970s, 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 Prakash
What does the name Prakash mean?
Prakash means “light, brightness” and comes from Sanskrit. Names built around “light” have been loved for generations, and give a child a meaning worth sharing when someone asks about their name. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Luciano (“light”), Uriel (“God is my light”), Lucian (“light”) and Akari (“light, brightness”).
What is the origin of the name Prakash?
Prakash 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 Prakash a boy or girl name?
Prakash is a boy name.
How popular is the name Prakash?
Prakash is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2006. It peaked at #4,986 in 1972, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Prakash?
If you like Prakash, you might also like Luciano, Uriel, Lucian and Akari.
What should I know before naming my baby Prakash?
Prakash is an Indian boy name meaning “light, brightness”, 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.