Ashok is a male given name of Sanskrit origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in Indian culture and mythology.
The name Ashok comes from the Sanskrit word 'Ashoka', which is a combination of two parts: 'asha' meaning 'without' or 'free from', and 'k(a)' meaning 'sorrow'. Therefore, the name Ashok signifies 'one who is without sorrow'. This profound meaning reflects the ancient Indian philosophy's emphasis on detachment from worldly sorrows to achieve inner peace and enlightenment.
The history of this name is closely associated with Emperor Ashoka (also known as Ashoka the Great), who ruled the Mauryan Empire in India during the 3rd century BCE. Under his reign, Buddhism spread throughout India, and he became a patron of this religion after witnessing the massacre at Kalinga in 261 BCE. The emperor is said to have embraced non-violence and peace, embodying the spirit of the name Ashok.
In addition to its historical significance, the name Ashok has been used by numerous notable figures throughout Indian history, further popularizing its use as a given name. Today, Ashok remains a respected and beloved name in India, carrying with it the rich heritage and profound meaning of its Sanskrit roots.
Statistics on the Name Ashok in the United States:
The name Ashok has seen varied popularity over the past seven decades in the United States, with fluctuations in its usage each year. From 1950 to 2018, a total of 258 babies were named Ashok at birth.
In the early years, between 1950 and 1963, there were only five births per year on average, with some years seeing no births given the name Ashok. However, from 1966 onwards, we start to see an increase in its popularity, reaching a peak of twelve births in 1975.
The decade of the 1980s saw consistent popularity for the name, with at least seven births each year except for 1986 (for which data is not available). This trend continued into the early 1990s, although there was a dip to six births in 2000.
From 2005 onwards, there has been renewed interest in the name Ashok. After a peak of ten births in 2005, there have been five to seven births each year up until 2018, indicating that it remains a popular choice among parents even today.