Anshu

Primarily a girl's name of Sanskrit origin with 138 recorded births. Also given to 10 boys.

Girl's nameAlso boy'sRare nameNot ranked recently

Meaning & Origin

Fewer than 138 Americans have ever been named Anshu. It first appeared in SSA records in 2003 and peaked modestly at 13 births in 2010 — rare enough to be distinctive, with just enough history to feel grounded.

Anshu is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.

Anshu is a girl's and boy's baby name of Sanskrit origin, from the Sanskrit aṃśu meaning 'ray of light' or 'sunbeam.' In Hindu tradition, Anshu refers to the radiant rays of the sun that bring life and warmth to the earth. As a given name it expresses the hope that a child will be a source of light and warmth for those around her.

EtymologyShow more

Anshu first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 2003. A twenty-first-century entry, Anshu belongs to the newest generation of American names — often coined, blended, or borrowed from international sources.

Its Sanskrit classification suggests a path from sanskrit linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.

At a Glance

138

Total births

Since 2003

2010

Peak

13 births

2003

First recorded

18 years of data

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Popularity Over Time

Anshu has 17+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2003.

First appeared: 2003Peak: 2010 (13 births)

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Anshu
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	5	#15314	▼
2010s	74	#12310	▲
2000s	59	#12318	—

The Story of Anshu

A Gen Z name

Peaking in 2010, Anshu is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Anshu are most likely born between 2003 and 2020.

How rare is Anshu?

With fewer than 500 recorded births, Anshu is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.

The journey through the decades

First appeared in the records in 2003, peaked in the 2010s with 74 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.

Anshu by the numbers

Would fill 3 school buses

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(17 years, 2003–2020)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Anshu
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2020	5	#15314	-1 (-16.7%)
2019	6	#13982	0
2018	6	#13956	-3 (-33.3%)
2017	9	#10777	+4 (80.0%)
2016	5	#16497	-5 (-50.0%)
2014	10	#10218	+4 (66.7%)
2013	6	#14781	-3 (-33.3%)
2012	9	#11360	-1 (-10.0%)
2011	10	#10461	-3 (-23.1%)
2010	13	#8756	+1 (8.3%)
2009	12	#9442	+7 (140.0%)
2008	5	#17800	-6 (-54.5%)
2007	11	#10200	+3 (37.5%)
2006	8	#12533	0
2005	8	#11948	+1 (14.3%)
2004	7	#12886	-1 (-12.5%)
2003	8	#11418	—

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Anshu as a Boy's Name

While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Anshu has also been given to 10 boys in the U.S. since 2004.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

2004

Peak year

Compare Anshu as girl vs boy

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anshu a boy's or girl's name?

Anshu is primarily a girl's name. It is also used as a boy's name, with 10 recorded births.

When was Anshu most popular?

Anshu reached its peak popularity in 2010 with 13 births that year. It is not currently in the top rankings.

How popular is the name Anshu?

Anshu is not currently in the top rankings but has been given to 138 babies in the U.S. since 2003. Its peak was in 2010.

Can Anshu be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Anshu is used for both boys and girls. As a girl's name, it is not currently ranked. As a boy's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Explore More

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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2003–2020