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Home › Baby Names Directory › Kanishka

Kanishka

♀ Girl

Pronounced kuh-NISH-kuh /kəˈnɪʃ.kə/Medium

Meaning: A Sanskrit name of debated meaning, historically borne by Kanishka the Great, a Kushan emperor (2nd century CE) and major patron of Buddhism. Historically usually a boy's name; used here for a girl.Low

In 30 seconds: A historic Sanskrit name: Kanishka honors the Kushan emperor and Buddhist patron Kanishka the Great (said 'kuh-NISH-kuh'). Usually a boy's name — we note the lean.
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Origin LowSanskrit
MeaningA Sanskrit name of debated meaning, historically borne by Kanishka the Great, a Kushan emperor (2nd century CE) and major patron of Buddhism. Historically usually a boy's name; used here for a girl.
U.S. rank (2020)#12780 ↗ Rising
2020 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2013
Total births (all-time)≈ 70

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201320082020

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kanishka is a Sanskrit name whose exact meaning scholars still debate. Its most famous bearer, Kanishka the Great, ruled the Kushan Empire and championed Buddhism; the name has historically leaned to boys, which we note. Rare in the U.S. (said 'kuh-NISH-kuh').

In the U.S. it appears only very rarely, in either sex. Very rare, historic, and dignified.

Did you know? Kanishka carries real history: Kanishka the Great was a powerful Kushan emperor and one of Buddhism's great patrons. The name's meaning is debated, and it has usually been a boy's name, which we note respectfully (said 'kuh-NISH-kuh').
Overall data confidence 46%
References — Kanishka — Sanskrit; Kanishka the Great, Kushan emperor and Buddhist patron

Variations

KanishkKanishkaaKaniska

Nicknames

KaniNishi

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kanishka…

Priya— a like classic Sanskrit girl's name
Meera— a like short, resonant Sanskrit name
Tara— a like bright, simple Sanskrit name
Krishika— a fellow Sanskrit choice
Krithika— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Kanishka

By themesanskritcross-sexunisex-lean-boyhistoric

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kanishka mean?

Kanishka's exact meaning is debated among scholars; the name is historically tied to Kanishka the Great, a Kushan emperor and patron of Buddhism.

How do you pronounce Kanishka?

It's said kuh-NISH-kuh /kəˈnɪʃ.kə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Kanishka a boy or girl name?

Kanishka has historically been usually a boy's name; it is used here for a girl, which we note.

How popular is Kanishka?

Kanishka is a very rare name in the U.S.

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