Find out how popular the first name Lelita has been for the last 1 years (from 1975 to 1975) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A feminine name of unclear origin, possibly combining "leli" meaning "beautiful" and French "petite".
Based on the last 1 years of data, Lelita is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 1975, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lelita.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
1975 | 0 | 5 |
The given name Lelita is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit language, originating in ancient India around the 5th century BCE. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "lila," meaning "play" or "sport," and may have been used to describe someone with a playful or lighthearted nature.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lelita can be found in the Hindu scripture, the Lalita Sahasranama, which dates back to around the 6th century CE. In this text, Lelita is one of the many names attributed to the Hindu goddess Parvati, the consort of Shiva, and is associated with beauty, grace, and charm.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Lelita. One of the earliest known was Lelita Devi, a 10th-century Hindu mystic and poet from Bengal, who was renowned for her devotional poetry dedicated to the goddess Kali.
In the 16th century, Lelita Mukherjee was a prominent Bengali poet and writer who composed works in both Sanskrit and Bengali. Her poetry often explored themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition.
In more recent times, Lelita Bharat (1900-1976) was an Indian classical dancer and choreographer who played a significant role in reviving and promoting the Bharatanatyam dance form in the early 20th century.
Another notable figure was Lelita Fernandes (1917-1999), a Brazilian writer and journalist who was known for her works exploring the lives of women and their struggles in a patriarchal society.
Lelita Van Lamsweerde (born 1972) is a contemporary Dutch fashion photographer who has worked with numerous high-profile publications and fashion houses, capturing stunning images that have graced the covers of magazines worldwide.
While the name Lelita may not be as common today as it once was, its origins and historical significance remain deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of ancient India, reflecting a connection to the divine and a celebration of beauty, grace, and playfulness.
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 Lelita was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Lelita first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on September 16, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/lelita-meaning-and-history/.
"Lelita first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/lelita-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 16 September, 2025
Lelita first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/lelita-meaning-and-history/.
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