| Dhruv | Atharv | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Pole star; constant, steadfast | Knowledge; the Atharvaveda |
| Origin | sanskrit | sanskrit |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | DHROOV | uh-THARV |
| Syllables | 1 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1987 | 2000 |
| Peak year | 2019 (210) | 2024 (224) |
| In 2025 | 195 | 187 |
| Trend | Near its peak | Rising |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | Dhruv | Atharv |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 1,153 | 1,277 |
| 2010s | 1,699 | 950 |
| 2000s | 1,335 | 158 |
| 1990s | 264 | 0 |
| 1980s | 23 | 0 |
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.
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.
Dhruv is more popular than Atharv today: about 195 US babies were given the name Dhruv in 2025, compared with 187 named Atharv.
Dhruv means Pole star; constant, steadfast (sanskrit origin), while Atharv means Knowledge; the Atharvaveda (sanskrit origin).
In US records, Dhruv first appears in 1987 and Atharv in 2000, so Dhruv has the longer recorded history.