Find out how popular the first name Rakhi has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rakhi by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Rakhi is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 72% of people named Rakhi being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Rakhi.

It's also interesting to see that despite Rakhi being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2023 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Rakhi.

The history of the first name Rakhi

The name Rakhi finds its origins in the Sanskrit language and Hindu culture. Derived from the Sanskrit word 'raksha', meaning 'protection', it is believed to have been in use since ancient times in the Indian subcontinent.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Rakhi can be found in Hindu mythology, where it is mentioned as the name of a celestial nymph or apsara. In the epic Mahabharata, Rakhi is described as a beautiful dancer who entertained the gods.

During the medieval period, the name gained popularity as a reference to the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this occasion, sisters tie a sacred thread or 'rakhi' on their brothers' wrists as a symbol of love and protection.

One of the earliest historical figures known to have borne the name Rakhi was Rakhi Bai (1623-1675), a skilled courtesan and poet in the court of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Her collection of poems, known as 'Diwan-e-Rakhi', is still preserved and studied by scholars.

Another notable figure was Rakhi Devi (1805-1882), a prominent freedom fighter from the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. She played a crucial role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, leading a group of women warriors against the British East India Company.

In more recent times, Rakhi Garhi (1939-2022) was a renowned Indian classical singer and Padma Shri awardee, known for her contributions to the Khyal style of Hindustani classical music.

Rakhi Sawant (born 1978) is a contemporary Indian dancer, actress, and reality TV personality, known for her outspoken and controversial persona in the Indian entertainment industry.

Rakhi Vijan (born 1975) is an Indian actress and model who has appeared in several Bollywood films and television shows, most notably in the popular series 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'.

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 Rakhi was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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