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

Popularity of Asha by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Asha is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Asha being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 168 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Asha.

The history of the first name Asha

The name Asha has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient language of India. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "asha," which means "hope" or "desire." The name has been in use for centuries and can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and texts.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Asha can be found in the Rigveda, one of the oldest and most revered Hindu scriptures, composed around 1500-1000 BCE. In the Rigveda, Asha is personified as a divine concept representing truth, righteousness, and cosmic order.

In ancient Indian literature, Asha is also mentioned as the name of a character in the epic Mahabharata, which dates back to around the 8th or 9th century BCE. Asha was the daughter of King Virata, and her story plays a significant role in the epic's narrative.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Asha. One of the earliest recorded was Asha Bhosle, an Indian singer and actress who was born in 1933 and is still actively performing. She is renowned for her contributions to Indian cinema and has recorded thousands of songs in various languages.

Another famous Asha was Asha Devi, an Indian freedom fighter and social activist who lived from 1909 to 1995. She actively participated in the Indian independence movement and worked tirelessly for women's rights and education.

In more recent times, Asha Bhosle, the Indian playback singer, has continued to be one of the most celebrated individuals with this name. Born in 1933, she has recorded over 12,000 songs in various Indian languages and is considered one of the most prolific playback singers in the world.

Asha Parekh, an Indian actress and director, was born in 1942 and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful actresses of her time. She starred in numerous Bollywood films and is also known for her philanthropic work.

Asha Rangappa, an American lawyer and former FBI agent, is another notable individual with this name. Born in 1973, she has been a vocal commentator on issues related to national security and has authored several books on the subject.

The name Asha has remained popular across various cultures and regions, with its roots firmly grounded in the ancient Sanskrit language and Hindu traditions. Its meaning of "hope" and "desire" has resonated with many, making it a timeless and enduring choice for generations.

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

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

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