Gold; a small precious thing; name of an ancient king
In Sanskrit, Kanishka is derived from the word for 'gold' or 'small.' While historically used as a masculine name for the famous Kushan emperor Kanishka the Great, it is increasingly used as a feminine name in modern contexts. It carries connotations of value, brilliance, and historical regality.
Less common today
Kanishka isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #8,553 in 2013.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Emperor of the Kushan dynasty known for his patronage of Buddhism
Indian television actress and model
