Harish is a unisex given name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word 'Hari' which means 'Lord'. It is widely popular in India and among Indian communities worldwide. The name Harish is often used interchangeably with Hari, another common Indian name meaning 'Lord'. However, Harish tends to be more commonly used as a male name, while Hari can be found for both males and females.
In the Indian context, Harish is associated with Lord Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, who is often referred to as Hari. This connection makes the name deeply rooted in Hindu culture and mythology. In some instances, Harish may also have regional variations or alternative spellings such as Hairish or Hareesh, although these are less common.
The name Harish has gained international recognition through various notable individuals bearing this name, including Harish Shivram, a prominent Indian film director, and Harish Khanna, a former captain of the Indian national kabaddi team. These figures have contributed to the broader visibility and acceptance of the name outside of India.
In terms of popularity, Harish is not among the top-ranking names in India or globally according to recent statistical data. However, it remains a significant name within the Indian naming landscape due to its cultural significance and historical usage. Parents choosing this name may do so for its traditional roots, its connection to Lord Hari/Krishna, or simply because they like the sound of Harish.
In summary, Harish is an Indian given name with deep cultural roots, often associated with Lord Krishna and used interchangeably with Hari. Its popularity has been further bolstered by notable individuals sharing this name, although it remains less common globally compared to other Indian names.
"Harish experienced a significant rise in popularity between the late 1990s and early 2000s, with peaks of 29 births in 2003 and 24 births in 2007. However, it has since declined, with only 5 births recorded in 2022."