Find out how popular the first name Prema has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Prema by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Prema is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Prema.

The history of the first name Prema

Prema is a name that originates from the Sanskrit language, which is an ancient Indo-Aryan language that was primarily used in the Indian subcontinent. The word "prema" in Sanskrit means "love" or "affection." It is believed that the name first emerged during the vedic period, which dates back to around 1500 BCE to 500 BCE.

The name Prema has deep roots in Hindu mythology and religious texts. It is mentioned in several ancient Sanskrit texts, including the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. In these texts, the concept of "prema" is often associated with the divine love between a devotee and the Supreme Being.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Prema can be found in the Srimad Bhagavatam, an ancient Hindu scripture composed around the 9th century CE. The text mentions a character named Prema, who was a renowned devotee of Lord Krishna.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Prema. One of the most famous was Prema Devi (1867-1924), an Indian spiritual leader and mystic who played a significant role in the revival of Hinduism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Another prominent individual with the name Prema was Prema Nandakumar (1900-1988), an Indian freedom fighter and politician who served as a member of the Indian Parliament.

In the realm of literature, Prema Kantak (1906-1988) was a renowned Hindi novelist and short story writer who made significant contributions to the Indian literary landscape.

The name Prema has also been associated with the arts. Prema Seshadri (1928-2017) was an accomplished Indian classical dancer and choreographer who helped popularize the Bharatanatyam dance form.

Moving to more recent times, Prema Sagar (born 1945) is an Indian spiritual leader and founder of the Prema Dristi Ashram, which is dedicated to promoting the teachings of love and compassion.

While the name Prema has Sanskrit origins, it has been adopted and used across various regions and cultures in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. The name continues to be popular among families with Indian heritage, carrying the timeless message of love and affection.

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

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

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