Find out how popular the first name Bodhi has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bodhi by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Bodhi is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Bodhi being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,117 male babies and 52 female babies born with the name Bodhi.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 52 baby girls were named Bodhi in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Bodhi

The name Bodhi has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient classical language of the Indian subcontinent. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "bodhi," which means "awakening" or "enlightenment." The name gained prominence in Buddhist traditions, where it refers to the state of enlightenment achieved by Gautama Buddha under the bodhi tree.

In Buddhist scriptures and texts, the term "bodhi" is used extensively to describe the profound spiritual awakening experienced by the Buddha. The name Bodhi is closely associated with the Buddha's journey towards enlightenment and his teachings that guide followers to attain the same state of spiritual liberation.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Bodhi can be found in the Pali Canon, a collection of Buddhist scriptures that date back to the 5th century BCE. The Bodhi tree, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, is also mentioned in various Buddhist texts and has become a significant symbol in the Buddhist faith.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Bodhi. One of the earliest recorded individuals was Bodhi Dharma (circa 470-543 CE), a Buddhist monk who is credited with introducing Chan Buddhism (Zen Buddhism) to China. He is revered as the 28th Patriarch of Buddhism and is an influential figure in the development of Zen practices.

Another notable figure was Bodhi Raza (1593-1670), a Sufi saint and poet from present-day Pakistan. He is renowned for his spiritual teachings and his contribution to the Sufi literature of the region.

In more recent times, Bodhi Prajna (1923-2005) was a prominent Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar who played a significant role in reviving Buddhism in China after the Cultural Revolution.

Bodhi Gaya, a city in the Indian state of Bihar, is also named after the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It is a renowned pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world and is home to the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other notable individuals who have borne the name Bodhi include Bodhi Oser (born 1976), an American film director and writer, and Bodhi Elfman (born 1969), an American actor and producer.

While the name Bodhi has its roots in Buddhism, it has gained popularity in various cultures and communities around the world, particularly among those who appreciate its spiritual connotations and the values of enlightenment and wisdom it represents.

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

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

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