Find out how popular the first name Shreya has been for the last 44 years (from 1980 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shreya by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Shreya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 72 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Shreya.

The history of the first name Shreya

The name Shreya has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that served as the root of many modern Indian languages. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "shreyas," which means "auspicious" or "prosperous." The name first gained popularity in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in regions where Sanskrit and its derived languages were widely spoken.

Shreya can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and texts, where it was sometimes used as a name or a reference to auspicious or fortunate events. In the Vedas, which are among the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, the word "shreyas" appears in various contexts, often signifying the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment or the attainment of higher knowledge.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shreya can be found in the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic that dates back to around the 8th or 9th century BCE. In this epic, Shreya is mentioned as the name of a character, although her significance is relatively minor.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Shreya. One of the most famous was Shreya Ghoshal, an Indian playback singer who was born in 1984. Known for her melodious voice and versatility, she has lent her vocals to numerous Bollywood films and has won multiple awards for her contributions to Indian cinema.

Another prominent figure named Shreya was Shreya Singhal, an Indian student and activist who was born in 1986. She played a pivotal role in the landmark Supreme Court case that struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, a controversial law that criminalized certain online speech. Singhal's advocacy for free speech and digital rights earned her widespread recognition and praise.

In the realm of literature, Shreya Devi (1904-1981) was a renowned Bengali novelist and short story writer. Her works often explored themes of social injustice, gender inequality, and the complexities of human relationships. She was widely acclaimed for her literary contributions and received numerous accolades, including the Rabindra Puraskar, one of the highest literary honors in West Bengal.

Shreya Ghoshal (born 1963), an Indian classical dancer and choreographer, has also made a significant impact in the field of performing arts. Known for her expertise in Kathak, one of the major classical dance forms of India, she has performed extensively both nationally and internationally, and has been recognized with several prestigious awards.

In the field of sports, Shreya Hosali (born 1990) is an Indian cricketer who has represented her country in various international tournaments. She has been a part of the Indian women's cricket team and has played a crucial role in several victories, contributing with both her batting and fielding skills.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!