Rakesh
Rakesh is a Hindu boy name of Sanskrit origin, meaning “Lord of the full-moon night; the moon”.
| Meaning | Lord of the full-moon night; the moon |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Sanskrit |
| Written as | राकेश |
| Pronunciation | raa-KAYSH |
| Tradition | Hindu |
| Used in | India, Nepal, Fiji |
Meaning and origin of Rakesh
Rakesh joins rākā, the night of the full moon, with īśa 'lord', so the 'lord of the full-moon night' is the moon itself. It is a poetic name for the moon and is sometimes also applied to Shiva. Rakesh was one of the most common Indian boys' names in the mid-twentieth century. Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to travel into space, is a famous bearer.
Is Rakesh a Hindu name?
Rakesh is a Hindu name. The moon god Chandra is honoured in Hindu tradition, and the full moon marks many festivals.
How popular is Rakesh?
Very familiar across India and the diaspora, now associated mainly with older generations.
Gifts with the name Rakesh
- Rakesh name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Rakesh baby gifts (Amazon)
- Hindu baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Rakesh
Names similar to Rakesh
More Hindu boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rakesh mean?
Rakesh means 'Lord of the full-moon night; the moon'. It is of Sanskrit origin.
Is Rakesh a Hindu name?
Rakesh is a Hindu name. The moon god Chandra is honoured in Hindu tradition, and the full moon marks many festivals.
How do you pronounce Rakesh?
Rakesh is pronounced raa-KAYSH.
Is Rakesh a boy or girl name?
Rakesh is usually a boy name.