Find out how popular the first name Gopal has been for the last 46 years (from 1975 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gopal by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Gopal is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Gopal.

The history of the first name Gopal

Gopal is a Sanskrit name that has its origins in Hindu mythology and culture. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words 'go' meaning cow and 'pal' meaning protector or nurturer. Together, the name Gopal means 'protector of cows' or 'cowherd'.

The name is closely associated with the Hindu deity Lord Krishna, who is revered as the divine cowherd and protector of cattle. Lord Krishna is often depicted playing his flute, surrounded by cows and gopas (cowherds). The name Gopal is one of the many names used to address Lord Krishna, highlighting his divine role as the protector and caretaker of cows.

The name Gopal finds references in ancient Hindu texts, including the Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas. These sacred scriptures describe the childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna as Gopal, playing with his cowherd friends in the idyllic village of Vrindavan. The name has been widely used among Hindu communities, particularly in India, for centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gopal can be found in the writings of the renowned Indian poet and scholar, Jayadeva, who lived in the 12th century AD. In his famous work, the Gita Govinda, Jayadeva celebrates the divine love between Lord Krishna (Gopal) and his consort, Radha.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Gopal. Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866-1915) was a prominent Indian social reformer and political leader who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Gopal Chandra Bhattacharya (1863-1917) was a renowned Bengali writer and educator who made significant contributions to children's literature in India.

Gopal Ganesh Agarkar (1856-1895) was a pioneering Marathi writer and social reformer who championed women's education and the abolition of the caste system. Gopal Mukherjee (1887-1965) was a distinguished Indian scientist and chemist known for his pioneering work in the field of crystallography.

Gopal Das Neeraj (1925-2018) was a celebrated Hindi poet and lyricist, known for his timeless contributions to Hindi literature and Bollywood film songs. His name, Neeraj, was a pen name, while his given name was Gopal Das.

The name Gopal continues to be popular among Hindu communities, particularly in India, as it carries deep cultural and religious significance, symbolizing the divine love and protection associated with Lord Krishna.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Gopal was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gopal, please contact us.

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