| Atharv | Rishi | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Knowledge; the Atharvaveda | Sage, seer |
| Origin | sanskrit | sanskrit |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | uh-THARV | RISH-ee |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 2000 | 0 |
| Peak year | 2024 (224) | 2023 (229) |
| In 2025 | 187 | 0 |
| Trend | Rising | Steady |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | Atharv | Rishi |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 1,277 | 1,156 |
| 2010s | 950 | 1,322 |
| 2000s | 158 | 1,578 |
| 1990s | 0 | 523 |
| 1980s | 0 | 432 |
| 1970s | 0 | 131 |
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 ऋषि (ṛṣi), 'a seer, sage, inspired poet' — the title of the sages to whom the Vedic hymns were revealed. A firmly established classical word.
Atharv is more popular than Rishi today: about 187 US babies were given the name Atharv in 2025, compared with 0 named Rishi.
Atharv means Knowledge; the Atharvaveda (sanskrit origin), while Rishi means Sage, seer (sanskrit origin).
In US records, Atharv first appears in 2000 and Rishi in 0, so Rishi has the longer recorded history.