Padma Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: PUD-ma /ˈpəd.mə/
Origin: Sanskrit; Indian
Meaning: lotus
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Padma has its roots in the ancient Sanskrit language, where it literally means "lotus." The term can be traced back to the Vedic texts, which are among the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, dating to around 1500 BCE. In Sanskrit, the word "padma" is associated with purity and beauty, as the lotus flower is often revered in various cultures for its ability to bloom beautifully even in muddy waters.
The name made its way into other languages and cultures influenced by Indian civilization, including Pali and various regional languages of India, before being adopted into English through transliteration in the modern era. Historically, the lotus flower holds significant cultural and religious importance in Hinduism and Buddhism.
In Hindu mythology, Padma is often associated with several deities, including Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, who is frequently depicted seated on a lotus. This association has been a vital aspect of the name's resonance throughout centuries.
The name also appears in various ancient texts and scriptures, including the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, where it symbolizes divine beauty and spiritual awakening. Additionally, the name is linked to the Padma Purana, one of the eighteen major Puranas, which elaborates on the significance of the lotus in spiritual contexts.
Culturally, the lotus is a symbol of enlightenment and rebirth, making the name Padma not only a personal identifier but also a representation of deeper philosophical concepts. The name has been embraced in various forms across different regions, with diminutives and variations appearing in local dialects.
Its enduring presence in literature, art, and religious practices underscores its lasting significance in the cultural tapestry of South Asia.
Famous people named Padma
In this section, you will find notable people named Padma. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Padma who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Padma who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Padma Lakshmi is a television host and author best known for Top Chef, Taste the Nation, and her cookbooks.
Fictional characters named Padma
The following list of fictional characters named Padma is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Padma Patil is a fictional character from the book series Harry Potter. She is a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and a member of the Gryffindor house.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Padma, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Padma. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Padma was first seen in the United States in 1968.
Padma has ranked as high as #1379 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in California.
In the past 5 years the name Padma has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Padma is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Padma was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Padma (2007)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Padma.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2007 | 9 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2002 | 5 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1968 | 5 |