Anhad
Primarily a boy's name with 176 recorded births. Also given to 32 girls.
Meaning & Origin
If you're considering Anhad, you're looking at a name that fewer than 176 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.
The sharp, distinct ending gives Anhad a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.
In the most recent SSA release, Anhad ranks #3783 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Anhad is a boy's and girl's baby name of Sanskrit origin, meaning 'unstruck sound' or 'infinite, limitless,' from the Sanskrit anahad — referring to the mystical sound of the universe that exists without any physical cause, a concept central to Sikhism and Hindu philosophy.
The concept of Anhad Naad (the unstruck divine sound) is one of the deepest ideas in Sikh mysticism — the vibration of the divine that underlies all creation. Naming a son Anhad is an act of profound spiritual aspiration, placing him within that cosmic resonance from his first breath.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Anhad is a boy's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (2009–2024). American naming is uniquely syncretic — it borrows from dozens of traditions, invents freely, and recombines elements in ways that make strict etymological tracing difficult for many names.
Today, Anhad is an active part of the American naming landscape (ranked #3783), continuing to accumulate its own cultural meaning with each new child who carries it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Anhad has 13+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2009.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 85 | #5817 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 83 | #7084 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 8 | #9036 | — |
The Story of Anhad
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2024, Anhad is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Anhad are most likely born between 2014 and 2024.
How rare is Anhad?
Only about 1 in every 124,138 babies born in 2024 was named Anhad — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2009, peaked in the 2020s with 85 births that decade.
Anhad by the numbers
- Would fill 4 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(13 years, 2009–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 29 | #3783 |
| 2023 | 18 | #5257 |
| 2022 | 15 | #5888 |
| 2021 | 14 | #6042 |
| 2020 | 9 | #8115 |
| 2019 | 18 | #5168 |
| 2018 | 12 | #6725 |
| 2017 | 14 | #6075 |
| 2016 | 10 | #7627 |
| 2015 | 13 | #6345 |
| 2013 | 8 | #8843 |
| 2011 | 8 | #8808 |
| 2009 | 8 | #9036 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Anhad as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Anhad has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 32 births since 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anhad a boy's or girl's name?
When was Anhad most popular?
How popular is the name Anhad?
Can Anhad be used for both boys and girls?
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2009–2024