Rudra
Meaningthe roaring one · Sanskrit
Rudra is an Indian boy name meaning “the roaring one”, 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 soft and friendly, 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?
- GenerationRudra is having its moment right now. Most Rudras are still in diapers or at preschool, so picture a Gen Alpha or Gen Beta kid.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Rudra would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 11,236 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryRudra first shows up in US birth records in 2000, the first year at least 5 babies got it. That makes it a fairly new name, younger than many of today's parents.
- Where it's lovedWant to meet a lot of Rudras? Head to Washington, where it's the #529 boy name, its best showing of any state.
US births per million boys, 2000–2025
Most popular states (2025)
Similar names
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Rudra
Rudra is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “the roaring one”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. It's a fresh, modern name that only arrived in US birth records in recent decades and is still gaining fans. 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 Rudra
What does the name Rudra mean?
Rudra means “the roaring one” and comes from Sanskrit.
What is the origin of the name Rudra?
Rudra 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 Rudra a boy or girl name?
Rudra is a boy name. In 2025, 152 US boys were named Rudra.
How popular is the name Rudra?
Rudra ranked #1,287 for US boys in 2025, given to 152 babies. That's its best rank ever: the name is at the height of its popularity right now. Over the last five years it has climbed 347 places.
What should I know before naming my baby Rudra?
Rudra is an Indian boy name meaning “the roaring one”, 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 soft and friendly, 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.