Kanishk is a unique and distinctive male given name of Indian origin. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kanishka', which means 'king' or 'emperor'. It is believed to have been used by several ancient rulers in India, including the most famous one, Kanishka I, who was a prominent king of the Kushan Empire during the 1st century AD.
The name Kanishk has a rich history and cultural significance. It is often associated with power, courage, and wisdom, as it was borne by several notable rulers throughout Indian history. In addition to King Kanishka I, other historical figures who carried this name include Kanishka II, a king of the Kidarite Kingdom in the 5th century AD, and Kanishka III, another king from the same dynasty.
While the name Kanishk is not particularly common today, it remains a popular choice among parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their sons. It is often seen as an alternative to more traditional Indian names, offering a blend of ancient history and modern appeal. Overall, Kanishk is a strong and regal name that carries with it a sense of pride and heritage from its rich Indian origins.
The name Kanishk has seen a varying degree of popularity over the past two decades in the United States. The earliest record available is from 2002 with 7 births that year. After a slight dip to 6 births in 2004, there was a notable increase to 11 births in 2006.
This trend continued, with 7 births in 2007 and 9 births each in 2008 and 2009. The year 2010 marked another significant rise with 16 births. However, the subsequent years showed a decrease again, with only 6 births each in 2011 and 2012.
The decade closed out with higher numbers, reaching 14 births in 2013 and 13 births in 2014. After that, there was another decline to just 5 births in 2015. However, the recent years have shown an increase once more, with 11 births in 2016, 8 births each in 2017 and 2020, 9 births in 2021, and most recently, 6 births both in 2022 and 2023.
Over the course of these two decades (from 2002 to 2023), there have been a total of 171 babies named Kanishk born in the United States. Despite fluctuations over time, it's clear that this name has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in America during this period.