Find out how popular the first name Palak has been for the last 36 years (from 1979 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Palak by gender

Based on the last 36 years of data, Palak is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 98% of people named Palak being female.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Palak.

The history of the first name Palak

Palak is a given name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word "palash," which refers to the flame or bright red color of the Butea monosperma tree, commonly known as the Flame of the Forest. The name is predominantly found in the northern regions of India and is associated with the Hindu culture.

The earliest known references to the name Palak can be traced back to ancient Hindu texts and scriptures. In the Puranas, a collection of ancient Hindu religious literature, the name is mentioned as one of the many names of the goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. This association with divinity and spiritual significance contributed to the popularity of the name among Hindu communities.

In the historical context, the name Palak gained prominence during the medieval period in India. One notable figure bearing this name was Palak Deva, a ruler of the Chauhan dynasty who reigned in the 12th century CE. His reign was marked by military conquests and the construction of several forts and temples in the region now known as Rajasthan.

Another prominent individual with the name Palak was Palak Senani, a renowned Indian poet and writer from the 16th century. Born in the city of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Palak Senani was renowned for his contributions to the Dingal literature, a genre of Rajasthani folk poetry. His works celebrated the valor of Rajput warriors and the beauty of the desert landscape.

In the realm of Indian classical music, the name Palak is associated with the renowned Hindustani classical vocalist and composer, Palak Bannerji (1912-1985). Born in Kolkata, West Bengal, she was a prominent figure in the Patiala and Jaipur gharanas (musical lineages) and is credited with popularizing the khyal style of singing.

Another noteworthy figure with the name Palak is Palak Sindhwani, an Indian chess player and Woman International Master. Born in 1992, she has represented India in numerous international chess tournaments and has won several prestigious titles, including the Asian Youth Chess Championship in 2007.

While the name Palak has its roots in the Hindu tradition, it has transcended cultural boundaries and is now found across various communities in India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. The name continues to be popular among parents seeking a meaningful and culturally significant name for their daughters, reminiscent of the vibrant hues and rich heritage of the Indian subcontinent.

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

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

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