NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Rakesh

What is the origin of the name Rakesh?

The given name Rakesh is an Indian name, derived from Sanskrit. In Sanskrit, 'Raksha' means protection or guardian, and the suffix '-esh' is a common one used to denote ownership or possession in Indian names. So, the name Rakesh can be interpreted as "one who possesses protection" or "guardian." It is commonly found among Hindus, especially those of the Jain community.

Learn more about the origin of the name Rakesh

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Rakesh

The name Rakesh is an Indian masculine given name that means "one who has a good physical appearance" or "handsome." It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Raksha," which translates to protection, defense, or safety. In Hindu mythology, Rakesh may also refer to a character known as Rama's younger brother, Lakshmana, who was a symbol of courage and loyalty. The name Rakesh has gained popularity not only in India but also among the Indian diaspora worldwide due to its attractive meaning and unique cultural origins. It is pronounced as "RAH-kesh" and is often associated with individuals who embody physical beauty and strong character traits.

Character traits associated with the name Rakesh

Rakesh is often characterized as an individual who embodies intelligence, diligence, and determination. His keen analytical mind and dedication to his pursuits make him well-respected and admired by many. Rakesh is also known for being compassionate, empathetic, and generous towards others. He possesses strong communication skills, which enable him to easily connect with a diverse range of people. Rakesh's adaptability and resilience, coupled with his ability to maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity, make him an effective problem solver and leader. Furthermore, Rakesh's sense of humor and easy-going nature allow him to foster harmonious relationships and create a pleasant atmosphere wherever he goes.

Popularity of the name Rakesh

The name Rakesh is relatively popular among certain communities, particularly those of Indian origin, where it is often used as a given name. In India, it ranks within the top 1000 most common male names and has seen consistent usage over several decades. The name's popularity extends beyond India, with significant numbers of individuals bearing this name in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rakesh is a Sanskrit name, derived from the word 'Raksh', which means guard or protection. This could be one of the factors contributing to its appeal, as parents may choose it for their child due to its meaningful connotation. Overall, while not widely used in all regions, Rakesh remains a recognized and respected name within certain communities.

Famous people with the name Rakesh

Rakesh is a name shared by several notable individuals across various fields. In the realm of technology and business, Rakesh Gopalakrishnan Mandhan (born 1963), better known as RG Mandhan, is an Indian entrepreneur who co-founded Zensar Technologies, one of India's leading IT and digital solutions providers.

In the world of entertainment, Rakesh Roshan (born 1949) is a prominent figure as a Bollywood film director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for his work in movies like "Koi... Mil Gaya" and "Krrish." Additionally, Rakesh Sharma (born 1949), an Indian Air Force officer, became the first Indian astronaut to travel to space as part of the Soyuz T-11 mission in 1984.

Lastly, Rakesh Kumar (born 1960) is a renowned Indian scientist who served as the Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation from 2015 to 2018, leading significant space missions such as Mangalyaan. These individuals embody the diversity of accomplishments associated with the name Rakesh.

Variations of the name Rakesh

The name Rakesh is of Indian origin and has various spellings and pronunciations. Some common variations include Rakesh, Rakesha, Rackeesh, Rakhish, and Rakhesh. In the Devanagari script, it is written as राकेश (Rākēś). The name Rakesh means "to bring about change" or "one who brings a good change." It can be used for both boys and girls in many Indian communities. In some regions, it may also be used as a surname or last name. The name carries a sense of positivity and transformation, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a meaningful and unique name for their child.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Raka kumar (First name)

forenames > raka-kumar

The first name "Raka Kumar" originates from India. "Raka" means "full moon" in Sanskrit, while "Kumar" is a common Indian surname meaning "prince" or "son."

Rakasha (First name)

forenames > rakasha

The name "Rakasha" does not have a specific origin in English as it is not a common English name. It may have roots in Sanskrit or other languages, particularly in Hindu mythology ...

Rakashkumar (First name)

forenames > rakashkumar

The origin of the name Rakashkumar is South Asian.

Rakayas (First name)

forenames > rakayas

The origin of the first name "Rakayas" is not clear, as it does not appear to have a specific origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it may be a modern or unique name cr...

Rakcy (First name)

forenames > rakcy

The origin of the first name Rakcy is unknown.

Rakedh (First name)

forenames > rakedh

The first name "Rakedh" has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language.

Rakeem (First name)

forenames > rakeem

The name Rakeem is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "raqeem" which means "writer" or "scribe".

Rakep (First name)

forenames > rakep

The name "Rakep" is of African origin.

Rakes (First name)

forenames > rakes

The name Rakes is of Hindi origin. It is a masculine name commonly used in India and Nepal.

Rakes poonia (First name)

forenames > rakes-poonia

The first name "Rakes" is of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word "Raksha" meaning "protection" or "defender." "Poonia" is a common surname in India, particularly among th...

Rakes sharma (First name)

forenames > rakes-sharma

The first name "Rakesh Sharma" is of Indian origin. It is a combination of the Sanskrit words "Raksha" meaning "protection" and "Isha" meaning "lord" or "ruler."

Rakes sone (First name)

forenames > rakes-sone

The first name "Rakes Sone" does not have a commonly known origin or meaning in English.

Rakesh artists (First name)

forenames > rakesh-artists

The origin of the first name "Rakesh" is Indian.

Rakesh bahi (First name)

forenames > rakesh-bahi

The first name "Rakesh" is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Raksha," meaning "protection" or "defender." The suffix "-esh" is a common ending in Indian names...

Rakesh baunty (First name)

forenames > rakesh-baunty

The name Rakesh is of Sanskrit origin, meaning "lord of the full moon" or "lord of beauty". Baunty does not have a known origin or meaning in English.