Find out how popular the first name Harsha has been for the last 46 years (from 1976 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Harsha by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Harsha is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 92% of people named Harsha being male.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Harsha.

The history of the first name Harsha

The name Harsha is derived from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that originated in the Indian subcontinent. The word "harsha" in Sanskrit means joy, happiness, or delight. This name has its roots in Hindu culture and has been prevalent in various parts of the Indian subcontinent for centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Harsha can be found in the 7th century CE, when it was borne by the famous Indian emperor Harsha Vardhana. He ruled over a vast territory in northern India from 606 to 647 CE and was known for his military conquests, patronage of arts and literature, and efforts to promote Buddhism.

In ancient Hindu texts, such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas, there are references to characters bearing the name Harsha or variations of it. For example, in the Mahabharata, there is a character named Harshavarman, who was a king of the Kamarupa kingdom (present-day Assam).

Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Harsha. One of the most prominent was Harsha Shiksha, a 12th-century Indian philosopher and logician who made significant contributions to the Navya-Nyaya school of logic.

Another famous bearer of the name was Harsha Narayana, a 16th-century Indian poet and writer who composed works in Sanskrit and Brajbhasha, a literary language derived from Sanskrit.

In more recent times, Harsha Bhogle (born 1961) is a renowned Indian cricket commentator and journalist who has covered numerous international cricket matches and tournaments.

Harsha Walia (born 1982) is a Canadian writer, scholar, and community organizer known for her work on issues of racial justice, feminism, and anti-capitalist movements.

Harsha Vardhan (born 1954) is an Indian politician and former health minister who played a crucial role in India's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The name Harsha has maintained its popularity in various parts of the Indian subcontinent, particularly in regions where Sanskrit and Hindu culture have had a significant influence. It continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a name with deep cultural and historical 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 Harsha was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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