Aarav

♂ Boy

Pronounced AH-rahv /ˈɑː.rɑːv/High

Meaning: From Sanskrit, meaning 'peaceful,' 'calm,' or 'melodious sound'; derived from the Sanskrit word rava meaning 'sound' or 'noise,' with the prefix suggesting a pleasing or peaceful quality; one of the most popular names in IndiaHigh

In 30 seconds: Aarav has been one of the most popular boys names in India for over a decade, meaning 'peaceful' or 'melodious.' With its clean two-syllable sound, it translates beautifully into English-speaking contexts and is rising in Indian diaspora communities worldwide.

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Origin HighSanskrit

MeaningFrom Sanskrit, meaning 'peaceful,' 'calm,' or 'melodious sound'; derived from the Sanskrit word rava meaning 'sound' or 'noise,' with the prefix suggesting a pleasing or peaceful quality; one of the most popular names in India

U.S. rank (2025)#710 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births377 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2015

Total births (all-time)≈ 8,208

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Aarav is a modern Sanskrit name that gained popularity in India in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It derives from the Sanskrit root rava meaning 'sound' and is understood to convey peace and melodious quality. The double 'aa' reflects the long 'a' vowel in Sanskrit transliteration.

In the United States, Aarav has grown steadily among Indian American families and has begun appearing beyond South Asian communities as its clean sound and positive meaning attract broader attention. Actor Akshay Kumar's son is named Aarav, amplifying its visibility.

Did you know? Aarav has consistently ranked as one of the top boys names in India since the early 2000s, appearing on most popular name lists across Indian states regardless of region or religion — a remarkable cross-cultural appeal within a diverse country.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Aarav — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AravAarav

Nicknames

RavAaru

Famous Bearers

★Aarav Kumar (2002–present)
Son of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar.

If you like Aarav…

Arjun— fellow Sanskrit name widely used in India with a strong, simple two-syllable sound

Rohan— shares the Sanskrit origin, positive meaning, and popularity across Indian diaspora

Vihan— similarly modern Sanskrit name meaning 'dawn' with the same clean structure

Dhruv— parallel Sanskrit name popular in India with a strong, grounded one-word meaning

Frequently Asked

What does the name Aarav mean?

Aarav means 'peaceful' or 'melodious sound' in Sanskrit, from the root rava meaning sound. It is one of the most popular boys names in India.

How do you pronounce Aarav?

Aarav is pronounced AH-rahv /ˈɑː.rɑːv/ — two syllables with stress on the first. The double 'aa' indicates a long vowel.

Is Aarav a Hindu name?

Aarav is a Sanskrit-origin name used widely in Hindu communities, but its peaceful meaning gives it cross-religious appeal in India.

Is Aarav used outside of India?

Yes, Aarav is growing in Indian diaspora communities across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.