Find out how popular the first name Vidya has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Vidya by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Vidya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Vidya.

The history of the first name Vidya

The name Vidya is of Sanskrit origin and has its roots in ancient India. It derives from the Sanskrit word "vid" which means "to know" or "to understand". The name can be traced back to the Vedic period in Indian history, which spanned from around 1500 BCE to 500 BCE.

Vidya is a revered concept in Hinduism and is often personified as the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and learning. The name appears in various Hindu scriptures and texts, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Puranas. In the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most significant Hindu texts, Vidya is equated with spiritual knowledge and is considered the path to moksha (liberation).

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Vidya can be found in the Rig Veda, one of the four canonical sacred texts of Hinduism. The Rig Veda, composed around 1500 BCE, contains hymns and prayers dedicated to various deities, including those extolling the virtues of Vidya.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Vidya. One such example is Vidya Bhushan Shukla (1877-1936), an Indian freedom fighter, journalist, and writer who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule.

Another prominent figure was Vidya Dhar Mahajan (1915-2006), an Indian historian and writer known for his works on ancient and medieval Indian history. His book "Ancient India" is considered a seminal text on the subject.

In the field of literature, Vidya Niwas Mishra (1926-1976) was a renowned Hindi poet and writer who received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1972 for his work "Swatantra Kahaniyan".

Vidya Balan (born 1978) is a celebrated Indian actress known for her powerful performances in critically acclaimed films such as "Parineeta", "The Dirty Picture", and "Kahaani". She has won numerous awards, including a National Film Award and several Filmfare Awards.

Vidya Sagar (1920-2011) was an Indian scientist and technologist who made significant contributions to the development of India's space program. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his pioneering work in the field of rocket propulsion.

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

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

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