Rishi
From Sanskrit ऋषि (ṛṣi, “rishi, sage”), via New Indo-Aryan languages, such as Punjabi ਰਿਸ਼ੀ (riśī).
Every Rishi since 1974 — 5,142 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Rishi
Rishi is uncommon for boys in the United States, ranked #1,059 in 2025 with 207 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1974, 5,142 American babies have been named Rishi. Its peak came in 2023, when 229 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2020s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Rishi stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Rishi year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 207 | #1,059 |
| 2024 | 193 | #1,113 |
| 2023 | 229 | #969 |
| 2022 | 210 | #1,051 |
| 2021 | 161 | #1,205 |
| 2020 | 156 | #1,213 |
| 2019 | 129 | #1,385 |
| 2018 | 115 | #1,505 |
| 2017 | 121 | #1,432 |
| 2016 | 134 | #1,337 |
| 2015 | 134 | #1,324 |
| 2014 | 114 | #1,443 |
| 2013 | 142 | #1,248 |
| 2012 | 129 | #1,326 |
| 2011 | 135 | #1,276 |
| 2010 | 169 | #1,117 |
| 2009 | 173 | #1,076 |
| 2008 | 217 | #938 |
| 2007 | 205 | #966 |
| 2006 | 171 | #1,051 |
| 2005 | 184 | #951 |
| 2004 | 171 | #980 |
| 2003 | 128 | #1,172 |
| 2002 | 150 | #1,025 |
| 2001 | 94 | #1,363 |
| 2000 | 85 | #1,462 |
| 1995 | 55 | #1,664 |
| 1990 | 42 | #1,866 |
| 1985 | 46 | #1,473 |
| 1980 | 47 | #1,389 |
| 1975 | 14 | #2,875 |
| 1970 | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Rishi
- Rishi Kapoor Actor · 1952–2020
- Rishi Sunak Politician · b. 1980
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rishi mean?
From Sanskrit ऋषि (ṛṣi, “rishi, sage”), via New Indo-Aryan languages, such as Punjabi ਰਿਸ਼ੀ (riśī).
How popular is the name Rishi in 2025?
Rishi ranked #1,059 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 207 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Rishi?
5,142 babies have been named Rishi in the United States since 1974, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Rishi most popular?
Rishi peaked in 2023, when 229 newborns received the name.
Is Rishi a boy or girl name?
Rishi is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Rishi rising or falling?
Rishi is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Rishi?
Well-known people named Rishi include Rishi Kapoor (actor), Rishi Sunak (politician).