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