Asha

“hope, desire”

India origin · Unisex name

♂ 1% boys♀ 99% girls

#1338US 2023

169Births / yr

↑Rising

8.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 196300.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Asha

AH·shuh

/ˈɑ.ʃə/ · stress on AH · 2 syllables

“hope, desire”

India origin · Unisex name

What does Asha mean and where does it come from?

Asha is a name of Sanskrit origin commonly used in India, meaning 'hope' or 'wish.' It's also popular in various regions of Africa, particularly among Swahili-speaking people, where it means 'life.' The name has a rich cultural significance and is widely used in Hindu mythology. Notable people named

Cultural significance

Asha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hope, desire.

Peak popularity

Reached #799 in 1989 — currently #1338 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Asha?

Asha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Asha Grace

How popular is Asha right now?

Rising fast — up 245 spots — currently #1338 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#1338 · Top 0.99%

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1338	169	▲ up 245 · +26% births
2022	#1583	134	▼ down 214 · -17% births
2021	#1369	161	▲ up 86 · +10% births
2020	#1455	147	▼ down 142 · -19% births
2015	#1313	181	▲ up 48 · +6% births
2010	#1361	171	▼ down 187 · -13% births
2005	#1174	196	▼ down 291 · -22% births
2000	#883	250	▼ down 1 · +16% births
1995	#882	216	▲ up 112 · +17% births
1990	#994	184	▲ up 352 · +88% births
1985	#1346	98	▼ down 71 · -3% births
1980	#1275	101	▲ up 377 · +71% births
1975	#1652	59	▲ up 1767 · +211% births
1970	#3419	19	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Asha

Best Year1995Rank #882

Peak Count250

Average Rank#1432

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1970 - 202314 years

The story of Asha

Asha is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1963. With 8,281 total births recorded, Asha remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3419 in 1970 to #1338 in 2023. Asha is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.

Names that peaked alongside Asha in 1989:

Jessica Ashley Brittany Amanda Sarah

Asha by decade

Asha peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	72
1970s	567
1980s	1,243
1990s ★	2,174
2000s	2,124
2010s	1,954
2020s	147

💎With 8,281 total births, Asha is an uncommon but established name.

What names sound and feel like Asha?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Asha also consider these

India · A name meaning

Common questions about the name Asha

What does the name Asha mean?

Asha means "hope, desire" — a name rooted in India tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Asha?

Asha is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Asha?

Asha originates from India tradition. India names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Asha?

Asha is a two-syllable name pronounced AA1 SH AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Asha a common or rare name?

Asha is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.