Rakesh
Meaninglord of the full moon · Sanskrit
Rakesh is an Indian boy name meaning “lord of the full moon”, 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?
- Word funRakesh doesn't repeat a single letter: 6 letters, all different.
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Rakesh would score 13 points, thanks largely to the K (worth 5).
- GenerationRakesh peaked in 1972, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Rakesh you'd meet today is about 53 years old.
- HistoryRakesh 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 Rakesh
Rakesh is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “lord of the full moon”. 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 Rakesh
What does the name Rakesh mean?
Rakesh means “lord of the full moon” and comes from Sanskrit. Names built around “moon” 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 Jericho (“city of the moon”), Moon (“moon”), Yue (“moon; joy”) and Lucine (“moon”).
What is the origin of the name Rakesh?
Rakesh 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 Rakesh a boy or girl name?
Rakesh is a boy name.
How popular is the name Rakesh?
Rakesh is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2013. It peaked at #2,323 in 1972, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Rakesh?
If you like Rakesh, you might also like Jericho, Moon, Yue and Lucine.
What should I know before naming my baby Rakesh?
Rakesh is an Indian boy name meaning “lord of the full moon”, 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.