Abhay is a male given name of Sanskrit origin. It means "fearless" or "without fear". The name comes from the root verb "bhay", which means "to fear". Abhay is often associated with courage, bravery, and fearlessness.
The use of the name Abhay can be traced back to ancient India, where it was popular among Hindus. It is also a common name in other South Asian countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. In Hindu mythology, Abhay is one of the names of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is considered the supreme god of Hinduism.
The name Abhay has been used by several notable individuals throughout history. For example, Abhay Charan De was a Bengali writer and social reformer in the 19th century. More recently, Abhay Singh Chautala is a prominent Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Haryana state.
Overall, Abhay is a strong and meaningful name with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Its association with fearlessness makes it a popular choice among parents who wish to instill courage and bravery in their children.
The name Abhay has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the number of babies named Abhay was relatively low, with only 7 births recorded in 1977 and 5 births in 1983.
However, starting from the early 1990s, there has been a steady rise in the number of babies named Abhay. In 1991, there were 9 births, which then increased to 16 births each in 2000 and 2001. The peak was reached in 2004 with 38 births, followed by another peak in 2010 and 2011 with 46 births each year.
Despite a slight dip in popularity in recent years, the name Abhay continues to be chosen for newborns in the United States. In 2022, there were 41 babies named Abhay, and in 2023, there have been 34 recorded births so far.
Overall, from 1977 to 2023, a total of 857 babies have been named Abhay in the United States. This trend indicates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, Abhay has certainly established itself as a recognized and chosen name for newborns across several decades.