Rahul
Meaningson of the Buddha · Sanskrit
Rahul is an Indian boy name meaning “son of the Buddha”, 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?
- GenerationRahul peaked in 2000, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Rahul you'd meet today is about 25 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Rahul would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 212,766 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryRahul first shows up in US birth records in 1966, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 59 years since.
US births per million boys, 1966–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Rahul
Rahul is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “son of the Buddha”. 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 and is climbing again now. 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 Rahul
What does the name Rahul mean?
Rahul means “son of the Buddha” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Gautam (“a name of the Buddha”).
What is the origin of the name Rahul?
Rahul 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 Rahul a boy or girl name?
Rahul is a boy name. In 2025, 8 US boys were named Rahul.
How popular is the name Rahul?
Rahul ranked #8,910 for US boys in 2025, given to 8 babies. Its best year was 2000, when it reached #818. Over the last five years it has climbed 644 places.
What names are similar to Rahul?
If you like Rahul, you might also like Gautam.
What should I know before naming my baby Rahul?
Rahul is an Indian boy name meaning “son of the Buddha”, 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.