Varun
Borrowed from Sanskrit वरुण (váruṇa, “Varuna”).
Every Varun since 1981 — 2,598 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Varun
Varun is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #6,111 in 2025 with 15 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1981, 2,598 American babies have been named Varun. Its peak came in 2004, when 145 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2000s.
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 Varun stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Varun year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 | #6,111 |
| 2024 | 18 | #5,427 |
| 2023 | 20 | #5,052 |
| 2022 | 23 | #4,554 |
| 2021 | 31 | #3,646 |
| 2020 | 27 | #3,910 |
| 2019 | 40 | #3,045 |
| 2018 | 45 | #2,745 |
| 2017 | 47 | #2,669 |
| 2016 | 44 | #2,773 |
| 2015 | 54 | #2,409 |
| 2014 | 50 | #2,513 |
| 2013 | 62 | #2,161 |
| 2012 | 64 | #2,131 |
| 2011 | 72 | #1,946 |
| 2010 | 88 | #1,736 |
| 2009 | 93 | #1,696 |
| 2008 | 101 | #1,581 |
| 2007 | 95 | #1,637 |
| 2006 | 116 | #1,386 |
| 2005 | 140 | #1,149 |
| 2004 | 145 | #1,094 |
| 2003 | 121 | #1,219 |
| 2002 | 123 | #1,159 |
| 2001 | 99 | #1,326 |
| 2000 | 113 | #1,206 |
| 1995 | 57 | #1,621 |
| 1990 | 27 | #2,550 |
| 1985 | 18 | #2,823 |
| 1980 | — | — |
| 1975 | — | — |
| 1970 | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Varun
- Varun Dhawan Actor · b. 1987
- Varun Gandhi Politician · b. 1980
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Varun mean?
Borrowed from Sanskrit वरुण (váruṇa, “Varuna”).
How popular is the name Varun in 2025?
Varun ranked #6,111 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 15 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Varun?
2,598 babies have been named Varun in the United States since 1981, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Varun most popular?
Varun peaked in 2004, when 145 newborns received the name.
Is Varun a boy or girl name?
Varun is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Varun rising or falling?
Varun is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Varun?
Well-known people named Varun include Varun Dhawan (actor), Varun Gandhi (politician).