Rishi

♂ Boy

Pronounced REE-shee /ˈriː.ʃi/High

Meaning: Sage; seer; poet-sage; from Sanskrit rishi (sage, seer, composer of Vedic hymns, one who has realized the truth)High

In 30 seconds: A Sanskrit name meaning 'sage' or 'seer,' from rishi — the inspired poets who composed the Vedic hymns. Seven great rishis (Saptarishi) are considered the ancestors of the brahmana class and are honored as the seven stars of the Big Dipper.

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Origin HighSanskrit

MeaningSage; seer; poet-sage; from Sanskrit rishi (sage, seer, composer of Vedic hymns, one who has realized the truth)

U.S. rank (2024)#1107 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births193 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,934

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Rishi comes from Sanskrit rishi (sage, seer, poet-inspired by divine truth). The rishis were the ancient seers who composed the Vedas. The Saptarishi (seven rishis) are central figures in Hindu mythology. As a given name it has been used in India for centuries.

Rishi is widely used in South Asian communities. It gained extra visibility when Rishi Sunak became UK Prime Minister (2022–2024). It ranked #1107 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? The Seven Rishis (Saptarishi) — the legendary seers who composed the Vedic hymns — are associated with the seven stars of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) in Vedic astronomy. So naming a child Rishi literally connects them to the seven stars visible in every night sky.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Rishi — Sanskrit etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RishitRushil

Nicknames

Rish

Famous Bearers

★Rishi Sunak (1980–present)
British politician, 57th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2022–2024). The first British-Asian and first Hindu Prime Minister.

If you like Rishi…

Dhruv— Sanskrit name from Vedic tradition in the same South Asian naming space

Arjun— Sanskrit name from Mahabharata in the same tradition

Vihaan— Sanskrit name meaning dawn in the same tradition

Kiran— Sanskrit name meaning ray of light in the same South Asian space

Nikhil— Sanskrit name meaning complete/all in the same tradition

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rishi mean?

Rishi means 'sage,' 'seer,' or 'poet-sage' in Sanskrit — the inspired composers of the Vedic hymns. The Seven Rishis are associated with the stars of the Big Dipper.

How do you pronounce Rishi?

It's said REE-shee — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Rishi a boy or girl name?

Rishi is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Rishi?

Rishi ranked #1107 for U.S. boys in 2024.