| Rishi | Dhruv | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Sage, seer | Pole star; constant, steadfast |
| Origin | sanskrit | sanskrit |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | RISH-ee | DHROOV |
| Syllables | 2 | 1 |
| First appeared | 0 | 1987 |
| Peak year | 2023 (229) | 2019 (210) |
| In 2025 | 0 | 195 |
| Trend | Steady | Near its peak |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | Rishi | Dhruv |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 1,156 | 1,153 |
| 2010s | 1,322 | 1,699 |
| 2000s | 1,578 | 1,335 |
| 1990s | 523 | 264 |
| 1980s | 432 | 23 |
| 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 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 Rishi today: about 195 US babies were given the name Dhruv in 2025, compared with 0 named Rishi.
Rishi means Sage, seer (sanskrit origin), while Dhruv means Pole star; constant, steadfast (sanskrit origin).
In US records, Rishi first appears in 0 and Dhruv in 1987, so Rishi has the longer recorded history.