UK boy's name
Rakshan
A masculine name derived from Sanskrit meaning "protector" or "guardian".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2021. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Rakshan is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Rakshan popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2021 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4789, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2007, with 3 births.
This profile covers 15 England and Wales registrations across 5 recorded years from 2007 to 2021. 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 100% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 15 living people in the UK are called Rakshan. 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 2022 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Rakshan ranked #4789 for boys in England and Wales in 2021, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2007, when 3 boys were registered as Rakshan.
- • About 15 living people in the UK are estimated to have Rakshan as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4789
2021
Births in 2021
3
Latest year
Peak year
2007
3 births
Estimated living
15
2026
Meaning
What does Rakshan mean?
The name Rakshan has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that traces its roots back to the Indian subcontinent. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "raksha," which means "to protect" or "to guard." This suggests that the name was traditionally given to individuals who were tasked with protecting others, such as warriors or guardians.
The earliest known references to the name Rakshan can be found in ancient Hindu texts and scriptures, where it is often associated with deities or characters known for their protective and defensive qualities. One such example is the Rakshasa, a race of supernatural beings in Hindu mythology that were believed to possess immense strength and the ability to guard sacred places and treasures.
Throughout history, the name Rakshan has been borne by notable figures from various walks of life. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Rakshan Singh, a Rajput warrior who lived in the 16th century and was renowned for his bravery and skill on the battlefield. Another notable bearer of this name was Rakshan Veer, a Hindu sage and spiritual leader from the 17th century who was revered for his wisdom and teachings on the path to enlightenment.
In the realm of literature, Rakshan finds a place in the epic poem "Ramayana," where a character by this name is portrayed as a loyal and courageous companion to the protagonist, Rama. This literary reference further solidifies the name's association with qualities of protection and devotion.
During the Mughal era in India, which spanned from the 16th to the 19th centuries, several individuals named Rakshan rose to prominence. One such figure was Rakshan Khan, a notable military commander who served under the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and played a pivotal role in several military campaigns.
In more recent times, Rakshan Narain was an Indian politician and social reformer who lived from 1880 to 1955. He was actively involved in the Indian independence movement and worked tirelessly to uplift the underprivileged sections of society.
While the name Rakshan has its roots in ancient Sanskrit, it has transcended cultural boundaries and found its way into other languages and cultures over the centuries. Its enduring presence and the positive qualities it represents have made it a popular choice for parents seeking a name that embodies strength, protection, and courage.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Rakshan over time
The chart below shows babies named Rakshan registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2007 to 2021. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Rakshan, the clearest high point is 2007. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2021, compared with 3 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Rakshan by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Rakshan 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #4789 | 3 | 1 |
| 2010s | #4698 | 6 | 2 |
| 2000s | #4383 | 6 | 2 |
Related
Names similar to Rakshan
- Ryan 68,692
- Riley 37,992
- Robert 27,462
- Reuben 25,122
- Rhys 24,418
- Reece 24,329
- Rory 21,870
- Roman 16,609
- Ronnie 16,445
- Reggie 14,684
- Rowan 14,371
- Ralph 8,892
FAQ
Rakshan: questions and answers
How popular is the name Rakshan in the UK right now?
In 2021, Rakshan was ranked #4789 for boys in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Rakshan most popular?
The peak year on record was 2007, with 3 babies registered as Rakshan in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Rakshan?
A masculine name derived from Sanskrit meaning "protector" or "guardian".
How many people are called Rakshan in the UK?
A total of 15 babies have been registered as Rakshan across the 5 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.