Gautam is a masculine given name of Sanskrit origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "gautama," which means "cattle chief" or "cattle owner." This name has been traditionally used in India for centuries and has gained popularity worldwide in recent years.
The name Gautam has a significant historical background. According to Hindu mythology, Gautam was the name of a sage who was one of the seven sages (Saptarshis) mentioned in the Rig Veda, an ancient Indian text dating back to around 1500 BCE. This sage was also known as Gautama Maharshi and is believed to be one of the ancestors of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu.
In Buddhism, Gautam is also a significant name as it was the family name of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. He was born into the Shakya clan and was given the name Siddhartha, meaning "he who achieves his aim." However, his family name was Gautam, which reflects his lineage from the sage Gautama Maharshi.
The use of the name Gautam today is not necessarily tied to these historical figures or their stories. Instead, it has become a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name with roots in ancient Indian culture and mythology. It is often associated with wisdom, spirituality, and leadership due to its connection to the sage Gautama Maharshi.
In terms of popularity, Gautam is not among the most common names in India or worldwide. However, it has gained some recognition as celebrities have chosen this name for their children. For example, actor Shah Rukh Khan named his son AbRam, a combination of the names of his wife Gauri and himself, and also incorporating the name Gautam.
In summary, Gautam is an ancient Sanskrit name with significant historical and cultural ties to India and its religions. It has gained popularity as a unique and meaningful name choice for parents looking for a connection to Indian culture and mythology. Despite not being extremely common, this name carries a rich history and is often associated with wisdom and leadership.
The name Gautam experienced a steady increase in popularity from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, with the highest number of births recorded in 1992 at 17. However, it has since declined, with only 6 births recorded in 2023. Over the past five years (2019-2023), the average number of births per year is approximately 12.