Shankar

Pronunciation: [ sh-ANGK-ahr ]

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Boy Name #18,610 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables 7 Letters

A distinctive 2-syllable boy name with a rare, memorable quality.

Indian Hindu Sanskrit Tamil Telugu

Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated

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Nicknames

Nicknames for Shankar

2 shorthand options for every setting

Meaning & Origin

Shankar is a boy name with 2 syllables, recorded for 6 babies in US birth records. It is pronounced sh-ANGK-ahr.

Parents who love the name Shankar often also consider Bodhe, Ice, Aryansh .

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Historical Record

Shankar first appeared in US Social Security records in 1985.

Over 80 babies have been named Shankar in the United States since SSA records began.

Today, Shankar is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #18,610 for boy names in the US .

Popularity Over Time

#18,610
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem Based on SSA data 1880–present

Famous People Named Shankar

R

Ravi Shankar

Musician / Sitarist

1920

Legendary Indian sitarist and composer who introduced Indian classical music to global audiences, mentor to George Harri...

Legendary Indian sitarist and composer who introduced Indian classical music to global audiences, mentor to George Harrison.

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Quick Facts

Gender
Boy
Syllables
2
Popularity Rank
#18,610
Total SSA Count
6
Cultural Origins
Indian Hindu Sanskrit Tamil Telugu
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Shan Shanu

Middle Name Ideas

Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style

Middle Names

Middle Names for Shankar

4 name pairings with syllable flow tips

Sibling Names

Sounds Like Shankar

Phonetic neighbors that share Shankar's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.

Shanker Sankar Shankar Shankara

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Frequently Asked Questions About Shankar

What is the origin of the name Shankar?
Shankar has Indian, Hindu, Sanskrit, Tamil, and Telugu origins.
Is Shankar a boy or girl name?
Shankar is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Shankar?
Shankar is pronounced sh-ANGK-ahr.
How popular is the name Shankar?
Shankar is currently ranked #18610 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Shankar?
Common nicknames for Shankar include Shan and Shanu.
What are good middle names for Shankar?
Popular middle name pairings include Shankar Shankar Raj, Shankar Shankar Dev, Shankar Shankar Anand, and Shankar Shankar Priya.
What are good sibling names for Shankar?
Names that pair well with Shankar as siblings include Parvati, Arjun, Lakshmi, Vikram, and Priya.
How many syllables does Shankar have?
Shankar has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Shankar a common or rare name?
Shankar is an uncommon name, ranked #18610 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Shankar?
Shankar pairs well with Bodhe, Ice, Aryansh, Brain in style and sound.
Are there other spellings for Shankar?
Related spellings include Shane, Shannon.

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About the Name Shankar

Shankar is a boy name with Indian, Hindu, Sanskrit, Tamil, and Telugu origins .

Shankar is currently ranked #18,610 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Shankar has 2 syllables and is pronounced sh-ANGK-ahr, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Shankar include Shan and Shanu. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Shankar include Shane, Shannon . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

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