Koushik

Koushik is a masculine given name of Indian origin. It is a variant spelling of Kaushik or Kaushika, derived from Sanskrit and historically associated with the sage Kaushika, who is sometimes linked to Vishwamitra in Indian tradition. The name is often interpreted as indicating lineage from Kaushika or, more broadly, as a reference to wisdom and learning. Variants include Kaushik, Kaushick, and Kausik, and the name appears across multiple Indian languages, including Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, and Marathi.

In contemporary use, Koushik functions primarily as a given name rather than a surname. It is common among families in urban and rural contexts, and the spelling variant Koushik is particularly prevalent in Bengali- and Tamil-speaking communities, though many individuals adopt other spellings in official documents. The name has also spread with the Indian diaspora, appearing in communities around the world.

Theological and cultural associations with the sage Kaushika contribute to the name’s positive connotations of wisdom, learning, and virtuous conduct. As such, it remains a popular choice for boys in modern India and among Indian communities abroad.