Shankar
Meaninggiver of bliss, Shiva · Sanskrit
Shankar is an Indian boy name meaning “giver of bliss, Shiva”, 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: Shankar has the name Hank hiding inside it.
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Shankar would score 14 points, thanks largely to the K (worth 5).
- GenerationShankar peaked in 1997, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Shankar you'd meet today is about 28 years old.
- HistoryShankar first shows up in US birth records in 1985, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 40 years since.
US births per million boys, 1985–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Shankar
Shankar is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “giver of bliss, Shiva”. 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 1990s, 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 Shankar
What does the name Shankar mean?
Shankar means “giver of bliss, Shiva” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Mukund (“giver of liberation”).
What is the origin of the name Shankar?
Shankar 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 Shankar a boy or girl name?
Shankar is a boy name.
How popular is the name Shankar?
Shankar is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2018. It peaked at #6,100 in 1997, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Shankar?
If you like Shankar, you might also like Mukund.
What should I know before naming my baby Shankar?
Shankar is an Indian boy name meaning “giver of bliss, Shiva”, 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.