Vishnu
Meaningthe preserver god · Sanskrit
Vishnu is an Indian boy name meaning “the preserver god”, 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 simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- Word funVishnu doesn't repeat a single letter: 6 letters, all different.
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Vishnu would score 12 points, thanks largely to the V (worth 4).
- GenerationVishnu peaked in 2007, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Vishnu you'd meet today is about 18 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Vishnu would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 100,000 baby boys got the name in 2025.
- HistoryVishnu first shows up in US birth records in 1977, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 48 years since.
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Vishnu
Vishnu is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “the preserver god”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the open vowel at the end makes it sound soft and warm. It hit its peak in the 2000s, 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 Vishnu
What does the name Vishnu mean?
Vishnu means “the preserver god” and comes from Sanskrit. Names built around “God” 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 Theodore (“gift of God”), Elijah (“my God is Yahweh”), Mateo (“gift of God”) and Elias (“my God is Yahweh”).
What is the origin of the name Vishnu?
Vishnu 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 Vishnu a boy or girl name?
Vishnu is a boy name. In 2025, 17 US boys were named Vishnu.
How popular is the name Vishnu?
Vishnu ranked #5,399 for US boys in 2025, given to 17 babies. Its best year was 2007, when it reached #2,094. Over the last five years it has slipped 701 places.
What names are similar to Vishnu?
If you like Vishnu, you might also like Theodore, Elijah, Mateo and Elias.
What should I know before naming my baby Vishnu?
Vishnu is an Indian boy name meaning “the preserver god”, 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 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.