Find out how popular the first name Pema has been for the last 24 years (from 2001 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A Sanskrit feminine name meaning "the lotus flower".
Based on the last 24 years of data, Pema is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 95% of people named Pema being female.
For the most recent data in 2024, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Pema.
| Year | Male Count | Female Count |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 10 |
| 2023 | 0 | 14 |
| 2022 | 0 | 14 |
| 2021 | 0 | 5 |
| 2020 | 0 | 11 |
| 2019 | 6 | 10 |
| 2018 | 0 | 13 |
| 2017 | 6 | 12 |
| 2016 | 0 | 11 |
| 2015 | 0 | 13 |
| 2014 | 0 | 15 |
| 2013 | 0 | 11 |
| 2012 | 0 | 11 |
| 2011 | 0 | 8 |
| 2010 | 0 | 6 |
| 2009 | 0 | 10 |
| 2008 | 0 | 9 |
| 2007 | 0 | 8 |
| 2006 | 0 | 5 |
| 2004 | 0 | 10 |
| 2003 | 0 | 8 |
| 2002 | 0 | 5 |
| 2001 | 0 | 5 |
The name Pema has its origins in the Tibetan language and culture, where it has been used for centuries. The name is derived from the word "padma," which means "lotus" in Sanskrit. The lotus flower holds significant symbolism in Buddhism, representing purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening.
Pema is a popular name among Tibetan Buddhists, as it is associated with the Buddhist deity Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. Padmasambhava is revered as the second Buddha and is credited with establishing Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century AD. The name Pema is often given to children in honor of this influential figure.
The earliest recorded use of the name Pema dates back to the 8th century AD in Tibetan Buddhist texts and historical records. One of the most renowned individuals with this name is Pema Lingpa (1450-1521), a Tibetan Buddhist tertön (treasure revealer) and terton (treasure master) who discovered and revealed several important Buddhist teachings and practices.
Another notable figure is Pema Tshering (1770-1845), a Bhutanese Buddhist lama and the founder of the Pema Lingpa school of Nyingma Buddhism. He was influential in preserving and promoting Tibetan Buddhist traditions in Bhutan.
In more recent history, Pema Chödrön (born 1936) is a renowned American Buddhist nun, author, and teacher. She has written several bestselling books on Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness, including "When Things Fall Apart" and "The Places That Scare You."
Pema Dondhup (1928-2011) was a Tibetan politician and diplomat who served as the first kalön tripa (Prime Minister) of the Tibetan government-in-exile from 1991 to 1993.
Pema Tseden (born 1969) is a renowned Tibetan filmmaker and writer, known for his critically acclaimed films that explore Tibetan culture and identity, such as "The Silent Holy Stones" and "Jinpa."
The name Pema continues to be popular among Tibetan Buddhists and those with an appreciation for Buddhist teachings and traditions. It carries a rich cultural and spiritual significance, representing the lotus flower's symbolism of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth.
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 Pema was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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