Kishan

Kishan is a masculine given name used primarily in South Asia and among the Indian diaspora. It is commonly regarded as a variant of the name Krishna and is associated with the Hindu deity Krishna. The form Kishan arises from transliterations of Sanskrit roots and is often linked to the same mythological and devotional associations as Krishna.

Etymologically, Kishan derives from the Sanskrit name Kṛṣṇa, which can be interpreted as “dark-skinned,” “black,” or “all-attractive.” In Hindu tradition, Krishna is a central figure in Vaishnavism and the name carries religious and cultural resonance in communities that revere him. The transliteration Kishan is one of several spellings used in different languages and regions.

Usage and demographics: the name is common in Hindi-speaking regions and states in India such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab, as well as in Gujarat and Nepal. It is also found among Indian communities abroad, including in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the Caribbean. While predominantly a given name, Kishan can occasionally appear as a surname or be part of compound names in Indian naming practices.

Variants and transliterations: other spellings include Kisan and Kishan; regional pronunciations and scripts (Devanagari, Gurmukhi, Urdu) influence how the name is written and spoken. Notable individuals with the name span various fields, including politics, sports, and the arts.

See also: Krishna, Kisan.