Kushal

Kushal is a masculine given name of Indian origin. It derives from the Sanskrit word kusala, meaning skilled, proficient, or clever. The name is often chosen to reflect qualities of competence and dexterity and is used across various Indian language communities.

The name is common in India and among the South Asian diaspora, appearing in Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Gujarati, and other language contexts. Spelling variants include Kushal and Kushaal, reflecting different transliterations of the same Sanskrit root. In some usages, Kushala may function as a feminine form, illustrating how Sanskrit-based names adapt across genders in different languages.

In contemporary usage, Kushal is primarily a given name rather than a surname. It is encountered in Indian media and public life, and may be chosen for children as a way to convey positive expectations for their abilities. The name also appears in literature and film as a throughline for characters that embody skill or resourcefulness.

Notable people with the name include Kushal Tandon, an Indian actor known for television roles and appearances on reality television. The name Kushal continues to be used in India and among expatriate communities, maintaining its association with competence and proficiency.