UK boy's name
Ankush
A masculine name of Sanskrit origin implying "control" or "discipline".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2016. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Ankush is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Ankush popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2016 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4810, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2003, with 6 births.
This profile covers 24 England and Wales registrations across 7 recorded years from 1999 to 2016. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 50% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 24 living people in the UK are called Ankush. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2017 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Ankush ranked #4810 for boys in England and Wales in 2016, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2003, when 6 boys were registered as Ankush.
- • About 24 living people in the UK are estimated to have Ankush as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4810
2016
Births in 2016
3
Latest year
Peak year
2003
6 births
Estimated living
24
2026
Meaning
What does Ankush mean?
The name Ankush originated from the Sanskrit language, which has its roots in ancient India. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "Ankusha," which means "goad" or "elephant-driver's hook." This term was used to refer to a tool used by mahouts (elephant handlers) to control and guide elephants.
In Hindu mythology, the Ankusha is regarded as a symbol of divine authority and control. It is often depicted in the hands of various deities, such as Lord Ganesha and Lord Indra, representing their power and ability to overcome obstacles and ensure prosperity.
The earliest known reference to the name Ankush can be traced back to ancient Hindu texts and scriptures, such as the Vedas and the Puranas, where it is mentioned in connection with religious ceremonies and rituals involving elephants.
One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Ankush was Ankush Mahanand, a renowned Sanskrit scholar who lived in the 11th century CE. He was a prominent figure in the field of Hindu philosophy and is credited with writing several influential works on the Vedanta school of thought.
Another notable figure in history with the name Ankush was Ankush Singh, a brave warrior and military commander who served under the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. He played a crucial role in various battles and campaigns, earning him a reputation as a skilled strategist and leader.
In more recent times, Ankush Arora (born 1982) is a well-known Indian cricketer who has represented his country in numerous international matches. He is particularly celebrated for his outstanding performances in the shorter formats of the game.
Ankush Chaudhari (born 1985) is an Indian actor and model who has appeared in several Bollywood films and television shows. He is known for his versatility and has garnered critical acclaim for his performances.
Ankush Hazra (born 1987) is an accomplished Indian classical dancer and choreographer. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the field of dance, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Ankush over time
The chart below shows babies named Ankush registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1999 to 2016. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Ankush, the clearest high point is 2003. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2016, compared with 6 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Ankush by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Ankush was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | #4779 | 6 | 2 |
| 2000s | #3351 | 15 | 4 |
| 1990s | #2943 | 3 | 1 |
Related
Names similar to Ankush
- Alfie 86,546
- Alexander 85,525
- Adam 71,855
- Archie 59,965
- Arthur 43,586
- Aaron 36,366
- Alex 32,729
- Andrew 20,169
- Arlo 19,061
- Aidan 16,776
- Albie 16,017
- Albert 15,809
FAQ
Ankush: questions and answers
How popular is the name Ankush in the UK right now?
In 2016, Ankush was ranked #4810 for boys in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Ankush most popular?
The peak year on record was 2003, with 6 babies registered as Ankush in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Ankush?
A masculine name of Sanskrit origin implying "control" or "discipline".
How many people are called Ankush in the UK?
A total of 24 babies have been registered as Ankush across the 7 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.