Pooja Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: POO-jah /ˈpuːdʒə/
Origin: Sanskrit; Hindi
Meaning: Sanskrit: worship; Hindi: prayer
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Pooja has its roots in the Sanskrit language, where it is derived from the word "puja," meaning "worship" or "prayer." This term has been integral to various religious practices in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, signifying a ritualistic act of devotion or reverence towards deities. The transition of the name into modern usage reflects the broader cultural significance of worship in Indian traditions, where the act of puja is a central component of spiritual life and community gatherings.
Historically, the concept of puja has been documented in ancient texts, including the Vedas and Puranas, which date back to the early centuries of the Common Era. These texts outline various forms of worship and rituals that are still practiced today.
The name Pooja, as a feminine form of this term, has been used in various contexts, often associated with auspiciousness and spirituality. It gained prominence in the medieval period as devotional practices became more formalized, and the name began to be adopted more widely among Hindu families.
Culturally, Pooja embodies a sense of reverence and connection to the divine, making it a name that resonates with many who value spirituality and tradition. It is often associated with qualities such as devotion, purity, and grace.
The name may also be linked to various festivals and rituals, where the act of worship plays a pivotal role in community and family life. While diminutive forms or variations of the name may exist, Pooja itself remains a significant representation of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Indian subcontinent.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Pooja was first seen in the United States in 1976. Pooja has ranked as high as #1142 nationally, which occurred in 1997, and has been most popular in New Jersey, California, New York, Illinois, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Pooja has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Pooja (2007)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NJ | 10 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1976 | 8 |
| 1977 | 15 |
| 1978 | 19 |
| 1979 | 26 |
| 1980 | 20 |
| 1981 | 27 |
| 1982 | 26 |
| 1983 | 32 |
| 1984 | 43 |
| 1985 | 41 |
| 1986 | 39 |
| 1987 | 45 |
| 1988 | 47 |
| 1989 | 49 |
| 1990 | 56 |
| 1991 | 77 |
| 1992 | 104 |
| 1993 | 94 |
| 1994 | 100 |
| 1995 | 91 |
| 1996 | 113 |
| 1997 | 117 |
| 1998 | 91 |
| 1999 | 114 |
| 2000 | 78 |
| 2001 | 68 |
| 2002 | 71 |
| 2003 | 70 |
| 2004 | 53 |
| 2005 | 56 |
| 2006 | 35 |
| 2007 | 27 |
| 2008 | 27 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2010 | 18 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 5 |