Find out how popular the first name Chitra has been for the last 24 years (from 1976 to 1999) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chitra by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Chitra is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1999, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Chitra.

The history of the first name Chitra

The name Chitra has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that was the primary language of the Indian subcontinent. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "chitra," which means "bright," "vivid," or "colorful." The name is believed to have been in use since the Vedic period, which dates back to around 1500-500 BCE.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Chitra can be found in the Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. In the epic, Chitra is the name of a celestial nymph who was married to the sage Arjuna. The story of Chitra and Arjuna is a significant part of the Mahabharata and highlights the themes of duty, love, and sacrifice.

Throughout Indian history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Chitra. One of the most famous was Chitra Bannerjee Divakaruni, an Indian-American author and poet born in 1956. She is best known for her works that explore the experiences of Indian immigrants in the United States, including the novel "The Mistress of Spices."

Another notable figure was Chitra Narayanan, an Indian classical dancer and choreographer who lived from 1936 to 2019. She was widely acclaimed for her contributions to the Bharatanatyam dance form and was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, in 2002.

In the field of art, Chitra Ganesh is a contemporary Indian-American artist born in 1975. Her work explores themes of feminism, mythology, and popular culture, and she has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums around the world.

Chitra Ramkrishna, born in 1963, is a former CEO of the National Stock Exchange of India. She was at the helm of the organization from 2013 to 2016 and played a significant role in the growth and development of the stock exchange.

Chitra Nagarajan, born in 1979, is an Indian author and journalist known for her work on gender and social issues. She has written several books, including "The Vigil Idiot" and "Atlas of Desire," which explore themes of identity, feminism, and societal norms.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the name Chitra throughout history, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and significance in the Indian tradition.

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

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

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