What does Puja mean and where does it come from?
Puja (पुजा) is a name of Sanskrit origin that means 'worship' or 'prayer.' It is commonly used in India and Nepal, especially within Hindu culture, where 'puja' refers to religious rituals performed as an offering to deities. The name reflects a spiritual significance and is often given to girls to
Cultural significance
Puja has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.
Peak popularity
Reached #2295 in 1984 — currently #1302 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Puja?
Puja works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Puja Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Puja Rose
Floral · soft ending
Puja Claire
French influence · crisp
Puja Jane
Literary · strong
Puja Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Puja right now?
Holding steady — currently #1302 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1302 | 898 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1307 | 878 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1312 | 848 | ▲ up 12011 · +12014% births |
| 2015 | #13323 | 7 | ▲ up 501 |
| 2010 | #13824 | 7 | ▼ down 5770 · -50% births |
| 2005 | #8054 | 14 | ▼ down 3159 · -42% births |
| 2000 | #4895 | 24 | ▼ down 1436 · -25% births |
| 1995 | #3459 | 32 | ▼ down 174 · -6% births |
| 1990 | #3285 | 34 | ▼ down 632 · -8% births |
| 1985 | #2653 | 37 | ▲ up 1189 · +76% births |
| 1980 | #3842 | 21 | ▲ up 4102 · +200% births |
| 1975 | #7944 | 7 | — |
The story of Puja
Puja is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1975. With 818 total births recorded, Puja remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7944 in 1975 to #1302 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Puja in 1984:
Puja by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 44 | |
| 1980s ★ | 312 | |
| 1990s | 301 | |
| 2000s | 133 | |
| 2010s | 28 | |
💎Puja has only 818 total recorded births since 1975 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Puja?
What names sound and feel like Puja?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Puja also consider these
How is Puja written in other languages?
Nepali), પૂજા
Gujarati), পূজা (Bengali), ਪੂਜਾ (Gurmukhi), పూజా (Telugu), പൂജ (Malayalam), பூஜா (Tamil), ಪೂಜಾ (Kannada
Common questions about the name Puja
What does the name Puja mean?
Puja means "A beloved name with deep roots" — 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 Puja?
Puja 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 Puja?
Puja 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 Puja?
Puja is a two-syllable name pronounced P UW1 Y AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Puja a common or rare name?
Puja is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.