| Atharv | Dhruv | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Knowledge; the Atharvaveda | Pole star; constant, steadfast |
| Origin | sanskrit | sanskrit |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | uh-THARV | DHROOV |
| Syllables | 2 | 1 |
| First appeared | 2000 | 1987 |
| Peak year | 2024 (224) | 2019 (210) |
| In 2025 | 187 | 195 |
| Trend | Rising | Near its peak |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | Atharv | Dhruv |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 1,277 | 1,153 |
| 2010s | 950 | 1,699 |
| 2000s | 158 | 1,335 |
| 1990s | 0 | 264 |
| 1980s | 0 | 23 |
From Sanskrit atharvan (अथर्वन्), the name of the Atharvaveda and of the ancient sage traditionally said to be the first priest of fire. Commonly taken to mean 'knowledge' or evokes the Vedic fire-priest.
From the Sanskrit ध्रुव (dhruva), 'fixed, firm, immovable, constant'; also the name of the Pole Star and of the boy-devotee Dhruva in the Puranas, who became the unwavering North Star.
Dhruv is more popular than Atharv today: about 195 US babies were given the name Dhruv in 2025, compared with 187 named Atharv.
Atharv means Knowledge; the Atharvaveda (sanskrit origin), while Dhruv means Pole star; constant, steadfast (sanskrit origin).
In US records, Atharv first appears in 2000 and Dhruv in 1987, so Dhruv has the longer recorded history.