Holi

festival of colors — Associated with the festival celebrating the arrival of spring
Sanskrit origin · Unisex name
50% boys50% girls
#1880US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.4%Percentile

What does Holi mean and where does it come from?

Holi derives from the Sanskrit word 'Holika', associated with the festival celebrating the arrival of spring.

Cultural significance
Holi is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India and Nepal, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Peak popularity
Reached #1880 in 2015 — currently #1880 in the US.
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Related Reading
Sanskrit-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

How else can you spell Holi?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Holi?

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

Holi Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Holi John
One syllable · timeless choice
Holi Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Holi Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Holi Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Holi Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Holi
Browse ideas →

How popular is Holi right now?

Holding steady — currently #1880 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1880 · Top 1.4%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#188010stable
2022#188010stable
2021#188010stable
2020#188010stable
2019#188010
💎Holi is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Holi?

Common
HolHolieHoly

Common questions about the name Holi

What does the name Holi mean?
Holi means "festival of colors" — a name rooted in Sanskrit 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 Holi?
Holi is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Holi?
Holi originates from Sanskrit tradition. Sanskrit names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Holi a common or rare name?
Holi is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Holi more of a girl or boy name?
Holi is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.