Pema Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: PEH-ma //ˈpɛmə//
Origin: Tibetan; Sanskrit
Meaning: lotus; supreme bliss
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Pema has its roots in the Tibetan language, where it means "lotus." The lotus flower holds significant cultural and spiritual symbolism in various Eastern traditions, particularly in Buddhism, where it represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. The etymology of Pema can be traced back to the Sanskrit word "padma," which also means lotus.
This connection highlights the name's deep ties to the spiritual and philosophical concepts prevalent in Tibetan Buddhism and its surrounding cultures. Historically, the name Pema has been associated with notable figures in Tibetan Buddhism, including Pema Lingpa, a revered 15th-century treasure revealer and saint.
His contributions to Tibetan culture and spirituality have solidified the name's significance within the religious community. Additionally, the name has been used in various texts and teachings throughout the centuries, further embedding it in the cultural fabric of Tibetan society.
The lotus, as a symbol, has been featured in numerous Buddhist scriptures and art, reinforcing its importance and the name's historical resonance. Culturally, the lotus is often depicted in Buddhist iconography, symbolizing the journey of the soul from the mud of materialism to the purity of enlightenment.
This association has allowed the name Pema to endure across generations, embodying the qualities of resilience and spiritual growth. The name may also appear in various diminutive forms or related names in different cultures, but its essence remains tied to the lotus and its profound meanings.
Overall, Pema reflects a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance, deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of Tibet.
Famous people named Pema
In this section, you will find notable people named Pema. 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 Pema who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Pema 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.
Pema Chodron is a Buddhist teacher and author best known for When Things Fall Apart, The Places That Scare You, and Comfortable with Uncertainty.
Fictional characters named Pema
The following list of fictional characters named Pema 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.
Pema is a fictional character from the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. She is a member of the Air Nomads and serves as a loving and nurturing figure to the main characters, particularly Tenzin and his family.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Pema, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Pema was first seen in the United States in 2001.
Pema has ranked as high as #11101 nationally, which occurred in 2017, and has been most popular in New York, and California.
In the past 5 years the name Pema has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Pema 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 Pema was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
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 Pema.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| 2023 | 14 | 0 | 14 |
| 2022 | 15 | 0 | 15 |
| 2021 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 2020 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| 2019 | 16 | 6 | 10 |
| 2018 | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| 2017 | 18 | 6 | 12 |
| 2016 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| 2015 | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| 2014 | 15 | 0 | 15 |
| 2013 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| 2012 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| 2011 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 2010 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 2009 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| 2008 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| 2007 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 2006 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 2004 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| 2003 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 2002 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 2001 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
Top States for Pema (2022)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 6 |