Pema

“པད་མ” — Symbolizes spiritual awakening

Tibet origin · Unisex name

♂ 6% boys♀ 94% girls

#7953US 2023

14Births / yr

↓Falling

192All-time births

📅 Since 200100

What does Pema mean and where does it come from?

Pema is a name of Tibetan origin, meaning 'lotus'. The lotus flower holds significant symbolism in various Eastern religions, representing purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. It is particularly revered in Buddhism, where it symbolizes spiritual awakening. Pema is used widely in Tibetan culture, and

Cultural significance

Pema has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Tibet-speaking communities, where it reflects values of པད་མ.

Peak popularity

Reached #7955 in 2014 — currently #7953 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Pema?

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

Pema Grace

How popular is Pema right now?

Falling — down 405 spots — currently #7953 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2010–2023#7953 · Top 5.9%

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#7953	14	▼ down 405 · -7% births
2022	#7548	15	▲ up 9521 · +200% births
2021	#17069	5	▼ down 7792 · -55% births
2020	#9277	11	▼ down 489 · -15% births
2015	#8788	13	▲ up 7441 · +117% births
2010	#16229	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Pema

Best Year2022Rank #7548

Peak Count15

Average Rank#11144

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2010 - 20236 years

The story of Pema

Pema is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2001. With 192 total births recorded, Pema remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #16229 in 2010 to #7953 in 2023. Pema is used for both genders: 94% female and 6% male.

Names that peaked alongside Pema in 2014:

Emma Olivia Sophia Isabella Ava

Pema by decade

Pema peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
2000s	60
2010s ★	121
2020s	11

💎Pema has only 192 total recorded births since 2001 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Pema?

Common

PemPemiePemy

What names sound and feel like Pema?

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

Dema

Arabic · A meaning related

Zema

Ethiopia · the one who

Jema

American · Gem

Kema

American · The one who

Arabic · Companion or friend.

How is Pema written in other languages?

པད་མ

Tibetan

Gender variants of Pema

Padma HINDI Padma HINDUISM Padma KANNADA Padmini KANNADA Padma TAMIL Padmini TAMIL Padma TELUGU Padmini TELUGU

Common questions about the name Pema

What does the name Pema mean?

Pema means "པད་མ" — a name rooted in Tibet 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 Pema?

Pema is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Pema have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Pema?

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

Is Pema trending right now?

Pema is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.

Is Pema a common or rare name?

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