Find out how popular the first name Arnika has been for the last 46 years (from 1978 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Arnika by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Arnika is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Arnika.

The history of the first name Arnika

The name Arnika is believed to have its origins in the Sanskrit language, derived from the word "arnika" meaning "plant" or "herb." It is thought to be related to the flowering plant known as arnica, which has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times.

Arnika has been a popular name in various parts of India for centuries, particularly in regions where Sanskrit has had a strong influence on local languages and cultures. The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the 5th century BCE, appearing in ancient Hindu texts and scriptures.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Arnika was a renowned Ayurvedic physician who lived in the 7th century CE. Her contributions to the field of traditional Indian medicine were significant, and she is credited with developing several herbal remedies that are still used today.

In the 12th century, an Indian princess named Arnika is said to have played a crucial role in negotiating a peace treaty between two warring kingdoms, earning her a place in the historical records of the time.

During the Renaissance period, a German botanist named Arnika von Bingen (1098-1179) gained recognition for her extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses. She authored several influential works on the subject and is considered a pioneer in the field of herbal medicine.

In more recent history, Arnika Sorenstam (born 1970) is a Swedish professional golfer who has achieved numerous accolades throughout her career, including being the first woman to play in a men's PGA Tour event since 1945.

Another notable figure is Arnika Devi (1909-1991), an Indian social reformer and activist who dedicated her life to promoting women's education and empowerment in rural areas of the country.

While the name Arnika has been more prevalent in various parts of Asia and Europe throughout history, it has also been adopted in other regions, though to a lesser extent. Regardless of its geographical distribution, the name has maintained a strong connection to its botanical and medicinal roots.

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 Arnika was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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