Ashish is a unisex given name of Sanskrit origin, meaning 'without sorrow' or 'happiness'. It is commonly used in India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. The name Ashish gained significant popularity during the 20th century, particularly after it was used by prominent individuals such as Ashok Chakravarthy, an Indian-American astronaut who flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1985. In some regions, Ashish may also be associated with Ashoka, a renowned emperor of the Mauryan Empire known for his benevolent rule and contributions to Buddhism. Despite its Sanskrit roots, Ashish has been embraced across various cultures and religions, reflecting its universal appeal.
The name Ashish experienced a peak in popularity during the late 70s to mid-80s, with over 25 births recorded annually from 1974 to 1982. The number of births began to decline after 1983, reaching its lowest point in recent years with only 6 births each in 2011 and 2015. Overall, the name has been given to a total of 898 babies from 1968 to 2023.