Tilak
Meaningforehead mark · Sanskrit
Tilak is an Indian boy name meaning “forehead mark”, 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?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Tilak has the name Ila hiding inside it.
- GenerationTilak peaked in 2016, which makes it a Gen Alpha name. The typical Tilak you'd meet today is about 9 years old.
- HistoryTilak first shows up in US birth records in 2005, the first year at least 5 babies got it. That makes it a fairly new name, younger than many of today's parents.
US births per million boys, 2005–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Tilak
Tilak is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “forehead mark”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the consonant at the end gives it a confident finish. It's a fresh, modern name that only arrived in US birth records in recent decades. 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 Tilak
What does the name Tilak mean?
Tilak means “forehead mark” and comes from Sanskrit.
What is the origin of the name Tilak?
Tilak 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 Tilak a boy or girl name?
Tilak is a boy name.
How popular is the name Tilak?
Tilak is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2024. It peaked at #5,789 in 2016, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Tilak?
Tilak is an Indian boy name meaning “forehead mark”, 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.