Shankar is of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word 'śaṅkara', which means 'bestower of happiness'. It is traditionally a male given name, often used in South Asian communities worldwide. In Hindu mythology, Shankar is one of the names of Lord Shiva, the Destroyer of Evil and the God of Creation, Preservation, and Destruction. The name also holds significant cultural relevance as it has been adopted by several renowned individuals across various fields, contributing to its widespread recognition.
The name Shankar appears to have seen an increase in popularity from the late 1990s onwards, with a noticeable peak around the years 1997 and 1999, before stabilising at around 5-6 births per year since then.