What does Kamala mean and where does it come from?
Kamala (कमला) is a name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'lotus' and is often associated with divine femininity in Hinduism. It is another name for the goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing beauty, wealth, and prosperity. The name is commonly used in India and has gained popularity in the United States, especially
Cultural significance
Kamala has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Sanskrit-speaking regions-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lotus.
Peak popularity
Reached #1064 in 1964 — currently #12763 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Sanskrit-speaking regions-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kamala?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kamala?
Kamala works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kamala Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kamala Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kamala Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kamala Claire
French influence · crisp
Kamala Jane
Literary · strong
Kamala Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kamala right now?
Falling — down 4943 spots — currently #12763 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #12763 | 7 | ▼ down 4943 · -50% births |
| 2022 | #7820 | 14 | ▼ down 2663 · -44% births |
| 2021 | #5157 | 25 | ▲ up 1184 · +39% births |
| 2020 | #6341 | 18 | ▲ up 4682 · +100% births |
| 2015 | #11023 | 9 | ▲ up 2208 · +29% births |
| 2005 | #13231 | 7 | ▼ down 7182 · -53% births |
| 1995 | #6049 | 15 | ▲ up 523 · +15% births |
| 1990 | #6572 | 13 | ▼ down 1838 · -19% births |
| 1985 | #4734 | 16 | ▼ down 664 · -16% births |
| 1980 | #4070 | 19 | ▼ down 1913 · -52% births |
| 1975 | #2157 | 40 | ▼ down 46 · +3% births |
| 1970 | #2111 | 39 | ▼ down 1002 · -57% births |
| 1965 | #1109 | 91 | ▲ up 3304 · +810% births |
| 1960 | #4413 | 10 | ▲ up 1382 · +67% births |
| 1955 | #5795 | 6 | — |
The story of Kamala
Kamala entered American naming records in 1955 and has been in use for over 69 years. With 1,224 total births recorded, Kamala remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5795 in 1955, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12763 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kamala in 1964:
Kamala by decade
Kamala peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 22 | |
| 1960s ★ | 463 | |
| 1970s | 304 | |
| 1980s | 147 | |
| 1990s | 120 | |
| 2000s | 74 | |
| 2010s | 76 | |
| 2020s | 18 | |
💎With 1,224 total births, Kamala is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Kamala?
What names sound and feel like Kamala?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kamala also consider these
How is Kamala written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Kamala?
Common questions about the name Kamala
What does the name Kamala mean?
Kamala means "lotus" — a name rooted in Sanskrit-speaking regions 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 Kamala?
Kamala is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Kamala?
Kamala originates from Sanskrit-speaking regions tradition. Sanskrit-speaking regions 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 Kamala?
Kamala is a three-syllable name pronounced K AE1 M AE1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Kamala?
Kamala pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Sanskrit-speaking regions heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.