Poonam first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Poonam has been for the last 31 years (from 1978 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Poonam

A feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "moon" or "flower".

Popularity of Poonam by gender

Based on the last 31 years of data, Poonam is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Poonam.

Year Male Count Female Count
2008 0 5
2000 0 6
1999 0 5
1998 0 7
1997 0 8
1996 0 12
1995 0 7
1994 0 9
1993 0 12
1992 0 6
1991 0 8
1990 0 13
1989 0 12
1988 0 15
1987 0 15
1986 0 21
1985 0 20
1984 0 7
1983 0 20
1982 0 20
1981 0 9
1980 0 6
1979 0 6
1978 0 6

The history of the first name Poonam

The name Poonam is of Sanskrit origin, rooted in the ancient Hindu culture of the Indian subcontinent. Its origins can be traced back to the Sanskrit word "purnima," which means "full moon." The name carries connotations of beauty, grace, and radiance, symbolizing the luminescence of a full moon.

In Hindu mythology and ancient texts, the full moon holds significant spiritual and cultural significance. It is celebrated as a time of renewal, purification, and divine blessings. The name Poonam is often associated with these auspicious qualities, making it a popular choice among Hindu families.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Poonam can be found in the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata. In this epic, Poonam is mentioned as the name of a celestial nymph or apsara, renowned for her ethereal beauty and divine grace.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Poonam. One of the most famous is Poonam Dhillon (born 1962), an Indian actress and former model who gained prominence in Bollywood cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. She is celebrated for her roles in films such as "Noorie," "Sohni Mahiwal," and "Karma."

Another notable figure is Poonam Bajaj (born 1965), an Indian entrepreneur and business leader. She co-founded the HCL Technologies company and served as its CEO from 1994 to 2008, leading the company to significant growth and success.

In the field of sports, Poonam Rani (born 1990) is a renowned Indian field hockey player who has represented India at multiple Olympic Games and has won numerous accolades, including the Arjuna Award in 2018.

Poonam Pandey (born 1991) is an Indian model, actress, and controversial figure known for her bold and provocative persona. She gained widespread attention for her daring stunts and social media presence.

Poonam Khetrapal Singh (born 1953) is an Indian diplomat and the current Regional Director for South-East Asia at the World Health Organization (WHO). She has played a crucial role in addressing public health challenges in the region.

The name Poonam continues to be a popular choice among Hindu families, particularly in India and the Indian diaspora around the world. Its rich cultural heritage, symbolic meaning, and association with beauty and divinity have contributed to its enduring popularity.

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

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

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"Poonam first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 22, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/poonam-meaning-and-history/.

"Poonam first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/poonam-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 22 July, 2025

Poonam first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/poonam-meaning-and-history/.

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