What does Para mean and where does it come from?
The name Para has Sanskrit origins, commonly interpreted to mean 'supreme' or 'the highest.' It has been used in various spiritual contexts, reflecting the concept of transcendence in Hindu and Buddhist philosophies. In Persian, 'Para' means 'feather' or 'wing,' giving the name a sense of lightness
Cultural significance
Para has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sanskrit.
Peak popularity
Reached #1746 in 1913 — currently #1365 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Para?
Para works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Para Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Para Rose
Floral · soft ending
Para Claire
French influence · crisp
Para Jane
Literary · strong
Para Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Para right now?
Holding steady — currently #1365 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1365 | 835 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1370 | 815 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1375 | 785 | ▲ up 3957 · +12983% births |
| 1955 | #5332 | 6 | ▲ up 129 · +20% births |
| 1950 | #5461 | 5 | ▼ down 1977 · -37% births |
| 1945 | #3484 | 8 | ▲ up 138 · +14% births |
| 1940 | #3622 | 7 | ▼ down 79 |
| 1935 | #3543 | 7 | ▼ down 1177 · -50% births |
| 1930 | #2366 | 14 | ▼ down 119 · -18% births |
| 1925 | #2247 | 17 | ▲ up 282 · +21% births |
| 1920 | #2529 | 14 | ▲ up 1411 · +133% births |
| 1915 | #3940 | 6 | — |
The story of Para
Para entered American naming records in 1902 and has been in use for over 122 years. With 353 total births recorded, Para remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3940 in 1915 to #1365 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Para in 1913:
Para by decade
Para peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 18 | |
| 1910s | 82 | |
| 1920s ★ | 105 | |
| 1930s | 64 | |
| 1940s | 40 | |
| 1950s | 38 | |
| 1960s | 6 | |
💎Para has only 353 total recorded births since 1902 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Para?
What names sound and feel like Para?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Para also consider these
Common questions about the name Para
What does the name Para mean?
Para means "Sanskrit" — 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 Para?
Para is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Para?
Para 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 Para?
Para is a two-syllable name pronounced P EH1 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Para a common or rare name?
Para is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.