Find out how popular the first name Atisha has been for the last 20 years (from 1975 to 1994) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Atisha by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Atisha is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1994, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Atisha.

The history of the first name Atisha

The name Atisha is derived from the Sanskrit language and has its origins in ancient India. It is believed to have emerged around the 10th century CE during the Buddhist era. The name is a combination of two Sanskrit words, "Ati" meaning "surpassing" and "Isha" meaning "lord" or "master." Thus, the name Atisha can be interpreted to mean "transcendent master" or "supreme lord."

Historically, the name Atisha has been closely associated with the Buddhist tradition. It first gained prominence through the life of the renowned Buddhist scholar and teacher, Atisha Dipamkara Shrijnana (982-1054 CE). He was a Buddhist monk from the Indian region of Bengal, who traveled to Tibet and played a pivotal role in reviving and spreading Buddhism in the region. Atisha is credited with establishing the Kadampa school of Tibetan Buddhism, which emphasized strict monastic discipline and the cultivation of compassion.

One of the earliest and most famous references to the name Atisha can be found in the Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, particularly the writings of Atisha himself. His seminal work, "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment," is considered a significant text in the Kadampa tradition and has been widely studied and revered by Tibetan Buddhists.

Throughout history, several other notable individuals have borne the name Atisha. For example, Atisha Dipamkara Shrijnanasagar (990-1043 CE), a renowned Buddhist scholar from Bengal, authored several influential texts on Buddhist philosophy and practice. Another prominent figure was Atisha Ranji (1292-1362 CE), a Tibetan Buddhist master who contributed significantly to the propagation of the Jonang tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

In the modern era, the name Atisha has been carried on by several Buddhist teachers and scholars. One such individual is Atisha Ngodup (1918-1991), a Tibetan Buddhist lama who played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in exile. Another notable figure is Atisha Nalandabodhi (born 1953), an Indian Buddhist monk and scholar, known for his teachings on Buddhist philosophy and meditation.

While the name Atisha has its roots in the Buddhist tradition, it has also been adopted by individuals from various cultural backgrounds, particularly those influenced by Eastern spirituality and philosophy. The name continues to carry a sense of wisdom, transcendence, and spiritual mastery, reflecting its rich historical and cultural significance.

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

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