Find out how popular the first name Ananda has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ananda by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ananda is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 94% of people named Ananda being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ananda.

The history of the first name Ananda

The name Ananda is of Sanskrit origin, tracing its roots back to ancient India. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "ānanda," which means bliss, joy, or delight. The name gained significant prominence within the Buddhist tradition, where it is associated with spiritual happiness and inner peace.

One of the earliest and most notable references to the name Ananda can be found in Buddhist scriptures, where it was borne by Ananda, a cousin and devoted attendant of Gautama Buddha. Born in the 6th century BCE, Ananda played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the teachings of the Buddha, earning him the epithet "the Guardian of the Dharma."

Throughout history, the name Ananda has been carried by various individuals of spiritual and literary significance. One such figure was Anandavardhana (circa 820-890 CE), an influential Sanskrit poet and literary theorist who made seminal contributions to the field of poetics with his work Dhvanyaloka.

In the realm of modern literature, Ananda Coomaraswamy (1877-1947), a renowned philosopher and metaphysician, was a prominent figure who helped introduce Indian art and philosophy to the West. His writings on topics such as traditional arts, crafts, and symbolism have had a lasting impact.

Another notable bearer of the name was Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy (1877-1947), a pioneering scholar and advocate of Indian art and culture. His extensive research and writings on topics ranging from iconography to traditional craftsmanship played a significant role in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of South Asian arts and traditions.

Ananda Mahidol (1925-1946), also known as Rama VIII, was a beloved king of Thailand who ascended to the throne at a young age. Although his reign was brief, he is remembered for his commitment to democracy, education, and the well-being of his people.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Ananda throughout history, each contributing to various fields and leaving an indelible mark on their respective domains.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ananda was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ananda, please contact us.

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