Find out how popular the first name Ishta has been for the last 1 years (from 2014 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ishta by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Ishta is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ishta.

The history of the first name Ishta

The name Ishta has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient language of the Indian subcontinent dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "ishta," which means "desired," "wished for," or "beloved."

In Hindu tradition, Ishta is a term used to denote one's personal deity or chosen form of the divine. It is believed that each individual has an Ishta Devata, a particular manifestation of the divine to which they feel a special connection and devotion.

One of the earliest references to the name Ishta can be found in the Upanishads, a collection of philosophical texts that form the theoretical basis of Hindu belief. The concept of Ishta is discussed in texts like the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and the Mundaka Upanishad.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Ishta. One of the earliest was Ishta Devi (c. 700 CE), a celebrated poet and scholar from Kashmir who composed works in Sanskrit and Prakrit. Her literary contributions were highly regarded during her lifetime.

In the 12th century, Ishta Siddhi was a renowned Sanskrit grammarian and philosopher from the Indian state of Bengal. He is best known for his work "Ishta Siddhi Vyakhya," which provided commentary on the philosophical text "Brahma Sutra."

During the 16th century, Ishta Chandra was a prominent Bengali poet and writer who was patronized by the Sultan of Bengal, Alauddin Hussain Shah. His poetic works, particularly his devotional songs, were highly influential in the region.

In more recent times, Ishta Nath Sarkar (1866-1941) was a respected Bengali scholar, historian, and educationist. He served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta and made significant contributions to the study of Indian history and literature.

Another notable figure was Ishta Devi Vidyavinod (1897-1962), a pioneering Indian educator and social reformer. She established several schools and institutions aimed at promoting education and empowerment for women in India.

While the name Ishta has ancient roots and has been borne by various individuals throughout history, its usage has remained relatively uncommon, particularly in recent times. However, its significance in Hindu philosophy and literature continues to be recognized and celebrated.

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

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