Reshma
A feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "long dark eyelashes".
Name Census estimates that about 424 living Americans carry the first name Reshma. The name is used almost exclusively for girls. The average person named Reshma today is around 36 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Reshma births was 2000 (21 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Reshma. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
People living today
424
~ 1 in 808,383 Americans
Peak year
2000
21 babies that year
Average age
36
years old
2017 SSA rank
#17,900
Tracked since 1972
Popularity
Reshma: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Reshma from the 1970s through to the 2010s, spanning 5 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 1980s, with 143 total registrations. Usage has dropped considerably from its 1980s peak. The most recent decade brought in only a fraction of the registrations that the name once attracted.
Babies born per year
Decades
Reshma by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Reshma during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Reshmas live
The SSA's state-level files cover 3 states and territories. New York, Illinois, California recorded the most babies named Reshma, while California, Illinois, New York recorded the fewest. The average across all reporting states is about 22 registrations each.
Origin
Meaning and history of Reshma
The name Reshma finds its origins in the Sanskrit language, with its roots stretching back to ancient India. It is derived from the word "Rashmika," which translates to "a ray of light" or "beam of light." This poetic name carries a symbolic meaning associated with brightness, warmth, and radiance.
In Hindu mythology, the name Reshma is closely linked to the goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of beauty, prosperity, and fortune. Lakshmi is often depicted holding lotus flowers, which are associated with purity and enlightenment. This connection suggests that the name Reshma may have been bestowed upon individuals with the hope of bringing them divine blessings and auspiciousness.
The earliest recorded instances of the name Reshma can be traced back to ancient Sanskrit texts and inscriptions from the 5th century BCE. It was a popular name among the royal and aristocratic families of ancient India, particularly in regions such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Reshma. One of the most famous was Reshma Shrestha (1976-2008), a Nepalese singer and songwriter renowned for her contributions to the Nepali music industry. Her melodious voice and soulful compositions garnered her widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan following.
Another prominent figure was Reshma Dordi (1932-2012), an Indian classical vocalist and Padma Shri awardee, who was celebrated for her mastery of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. Her performances and teachings left an indelible mark on the world of Hindustani classical music.
In the realm of literature, Reshma Kripalani (1916-2003) was an Indian author and activist who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Her memoirs and works shed light on the struggles and triumphs of the era, making her a influential voice in India's literary landscape.
Reshma Shetty (born 1977) is a renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer, known for her contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Kuchipudi dance form. Her performances have been acclaimed globally, and she has received numerous accolades for her artistic excellence.
Reshma Qureshi (born 1957) is an acclaimed Pakistani artist and activist, recognized for her advocacy work for acid attack survivors. Her efforts have raised awareness and provided support to countless individuals, earning her international acclaim and numerous honors, including the Amnesty International Human Rights Defender Award.
The name Reshma has transcended cultures and borders, carrying with it a rich tapestry of history, symbolism, and artistic expression. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of its meaning and the remarkable individuals who have borne this name throughout the ages.
People
Reshma + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Reshma as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with R
Other first names starting with R with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Reshma: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Reshma?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 424 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Reshma going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 808,383 US residents.
Is Reshma a common name?
We classify Reshma as "Very Rare". It ranks above 82.9% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 446 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Reshma most popular?
The single biggest year for Reshma was 2000, when 21 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Reshma is about 36 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Reshma a female name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Reshma in the SSA data are female. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.