Madhav Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: MAH-dahv //ˈmɑː.dʌv//
Origin: Sanskrit; Hindi
Meaning: Madhav (Sanskrit) - sweet like honey; Madhav (Hindi) - another name for Lord Krishna
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Madhav has its roots in the ancient Sanskrit language, deriving from the word 'Mādhava,' which is associated with the Hindu deity Krishna. The etymology can be traced back to the Sanskrit 'mādhava,' meaning 'sweet' or 'honey-like,' and it is often interpreted as 'the one who is sweet like honey.' This name is significant in Hindu culture, where Krishna is revered as an incarnation of the god Vishnu and is celebrated for his divine qualities and playful nature.
The transition of the name into various Indian languages has maintained its original essence, reflecting the cultural reverence for Krishna across different regions. Historically, the name Madhav has been prominent in various texts and scriptures, particularly in Hindu mythology and literature.
The Bhagavata Purana, a key text from the early centuries of the common era, narrates the life and exploits of Krishna, further embedding the name in the cultural consciousness of India. Additionally, Madhav is often associated with significant figures in Indian history, including saints and poets who have contributed to the devotional literature surrounding Krishna, particularly during the Bhakti movement from the 15th to the 17th centuries.
Culturally, the name Madhav carries connotations of joy, love, and divine playfulness, resonating deeply within the traditions of Hindu festivals and rituals that celebrate Krishna. The name is often linked to the spring season, symbolizing renewal and the sweetness of life, which aligns with the characteristics attributed to Krishna.
In some contexts, diminutive forms such as Madhavji are used affectionately, reflecting the warmth associated with the name. Overall, Madhav embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance that has endured through centuries.
Famous people named Madhav
In this section, you will find notable people named Madhav. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Madhav who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Madhav who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Madhav Chavan is an educator and social entrepreneur best known for co-founding Pratham, an organization focused on improving education in India.
Fictional characters named Madhav
The following list of fictional characters named Madhav is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Madhav is a fictional character from the novel The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. He is a poor villager who becomes a successful entrepreneur, navigating the complexities of class and corruption in modern India.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Madhav, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Madhav was first seen in the United States in 1992.
Madhav has ranked as high as #1341 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, and Virginia.
In the past 5 years the name Madhav has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Madhav is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Madhav was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Madhav (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 9 | |
| FL | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Madhav.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2023 | 35 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2017 | 30 |
| 2016 | 23 |
| 2015 | 27 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2013 | 26 |
| 2012 | 18 |
| 2011 | 22 |
| 2010 | 30 |
| 2009 | 30 |
| 2008 | 21 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2005 | 16 |
| 2004 | 12 |
| 2003 | 16 |
| 2002 | 13 |
| 2001 | 10 |
| 2000 | 5 |
| 1999 | 9 |
| 1998 | 7 |
| 1997 | 9 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1994 | 6 |
| 1992 | 6 |