Find out how popular the first name Rishi has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rishi by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Rishi is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 228 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Rishi.

The history of the first name Rishi

The name Rishi is derived from the Sanskrit language and has its origins in ancient India. It is believed to have been in use since the Vedic period, which dates back to around 1500-500 BCE. The word "Rishi" in Sanskrit means a sage, seer, or enlightened being.

In Hindu mythology and sacred texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas, Rishis were revered as wise and enlightened individuals who had attained a deep understanding of the spiritual realm and the cosmos. They were often depicted as mystics and poets who composed hymns, taught spiritual knowledge, and guided others on the path of enlightenment.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Rishi can be found in the Rigveda, one of the oldest and most sacred Hindu scriptures. The Rigveda mentions several Rishis, including Vishvamitra, Vashishtha, and Agastya, who were renowned for their spiritual wisdom and poetic compositions.

Throughout history, the name Rishi has been borne by various notable figures. One of the most famous was Rishi Kanada, an ancient Indian philosopher and sage who is credited with founding the Vaisheshika school of Hindu philosophy, which focused on the study of the nature of atoms and the physical world. He is believed to have lived around the 6th century BCE.

Another prominent individual with the name Rishi was Rishi Kashyap, an ancient sage and author of several Hindu scriptures, including the Kashyap Samhita, which deals with various aspects of Hindu life and rituals. He is thought to have lived around the 8th century BCE.

In more recent times, Rishi Aurobindo (1872-1950) was a renowned Indian philosopher, yogi, and spiritual teacher who played a prominent role in the Indian independence movement before devoting himself to spiritual pursuits. He developed an influential philosophy known as Integral Yoga and founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry.

Rishi Nath Arya (1887-1967) was an eminent Indian freedom fighter, social reformer, and politician who actively participated in the Indian independence movement. He served as a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and played a significant role in shaping the country's constitution.

Rishi Kapoor (1952-2020) was a legendary Indian actor who had a career spanning several decades in Bollywood. He was a recipient of numerous accolades, including the National Film Award and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, and is regarded as one of the most influential actors in Indian cinema.

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

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

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