Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Rahul

Rahul

♂ Boy

Pronounced RAH-hool /ˈrɑː.huːl/Medium

Meaning: From the Sanskrit Rahul, often glossed 'efficient; capable' or 'conqueror of all miseries'; borne by Rahula, the son of Gautama Buddha, whose name is also read as 'a fetter; a bond.' Widely used across India, which we note respectfully.Low

In 30 seconds: A widely loved Indian name: Rahul means 'efficient; capable,' borne by the Buddha's son Rahula (said 'RAH-hool'). Warm and classic.
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumSanskrit
MeaningFrom the Sanskrit Rahul, often glossed 'efficient; capable' or 'conqueror of all miseries'; borne by Rahula, the son of Gautama Buddha, whose name is also read as 'a fetter; a bond.' Widely used across India, which we note respectfully.
U.S. rank (2025)#9498 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2000
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,332

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200019662025

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

Rahul comes from Sanskrit and is famously the name of Rahula, son of Gautama Buddha. It is often read 'efficient; capable' or 'conqueror of all miseries.' A warm, widely used name across India, which we note respectfully (said 'RAH-hool').

In the U.S. it appears steadily, mostly in Indian-heritage families. Familiar, meaningful, and classic.

Did you know? Rahul was the name of Rahula, the son of Gautama Buddha - a beloved, widely used Indian name usually glossed 'efficient; capable; conqueror of miseries,' which we note respectfully (said 'RAH-hool').
Overall data confidence 55%
References - Rahul — Sanskrit; son of the Buddha (Rahula)

Variations

RahoolRahhulRahula

Nicknames

RahRu

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Rahul…

Rohan— a like Sanskrit R- name
Aryan— a like classic Indian pick
Kabir— a like warm Indian name
Neel— a like short Indian name

Explore names like Rahul

By themeclassicsanskritindianbuddhist
By meaningVictory

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rahul mean?

Rahul is Sanskrit, often read 'efficient; capable; conqueror of miseries'; it was the name of Rahula, the son of Gautama Buddha.

How do you pronounce Rahul?

It's said RAH-hool /ˈrɑː.huːl/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Rahul a boy or girl name?

Rahul is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Rahul?

Rahul is a familiar name in the U.S., especially in Indian-heritage families.

💬 Ask Nia