Santosh
Meaningcontentment · Sanskrit
Santosh is an Indian boy name meaning “contentment”, 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?
- GenerationSantosh peaked in 1981, which makes it a Millennial name. The typical Santosh you'd meet today is about 44 years old.
- HistorySantosh first shows up in US birth records in 1975, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 50 years since.
US births per million boys, 1975–2025
Similar names
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Santosh
Santosh is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “contentment”. 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 1980s, 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
Other spellings of Santosh
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 Santosh
What does the name Santosh mean?
Santosh means “contentment” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Reza (“contentment”), Ridwan (“contentment, goodwill”), Rida (“contentment, favor”) and Radwan (“contentment, goodwill”).
What is the origin of the name Santosh?
Santosh 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 Santosh a boy or girl name?
Santosh is a boy name.
How popular is the name Santosh?
Santosh is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2010. It peaked at #4,509 in 1981, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Santosh?
If you like Santosh, you might also like Santos, Reza, Ridwan, Rida and Radwan. Santos is another spelling of the same name.
What should I know before naming my baby Santosh?
Santosh is an Indian boy name meaning “contentment”, 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.