Tulsi

“sacred basil” — Symbol of purity and devotion

India origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#5239US 2023

25Births / yr

↓Falling

442All-time births

📅 Since 198700

What does Tulsi mean and where does it come from?

Tulsi (तुलसी) is a revered name in India, derived from the Sanskrit word for 'holy basil', a plant that holds significant spiritual importance in Hindu culture. Tulsi is often associated with the goddess Lakshmi and is considered a symbol of purity and devotion. The name has been historically popula

Cultural significance

Tulsi has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sacred basil.

Peak popularity

Reached #4511 in 2017 — currently #5239 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Tulsi?

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

Tulsi Grace

How popular is Tulsi right now?

Falling — down 954 spots — currently #5239 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#5239 · Top 3.9%

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#5239	25	▼ down 954 · -26% births
2022	#4285	34	▲ up 796 · +31% births
2021	#5081	26	▼ down 416 · -7% births
2020	#4665	28	▲ up 4489 · +133% births
2015	#9154	12	▼ down 1098 · -20% births
2010	#8056	15	▲ up 1105 · +25% births
2005	#9161	12	▲ up 2163 · +50% births
2000	#11324	8	▼ down 5116 · -47% births
1995	#6208	15	▲ up 2914 · +67% births
1990	#9122	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tulsi

Best Year2022Rank #4285

Peak Count34

Average Rank#7230

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1990 - 202310 years

The story of Tulsi

Tulsi is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1987. With 442 total births recorded, Tulsi remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9122 in 1990 to #5239 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Tulsi in 2017:

Emma Olivia Ava Isabella Sophia

Tulsi by decade

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

Decade	Births
1980s	25
1990s	128
2000s	127
2010s ★	134
2020s	28

💎Tulsi has only 442 total recorded births since 1987 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Tulsi?

Common

TulTu

What names sound and feel like Tulsi?

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

Turkish · a flower known

Trasi

India · to pull or

Kelsi

American · A beloved name

Gussi

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Jursi

Balkan countries · Guarded; protected.

Nelsi

Norway · A beloved name

Common questions about the name Tulsi

What does the name Tulsi mean?

Tulsi means "sacred basil" — 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 Tulsi?

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

What is the cultural origin of Tulsi?

Tulsi 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.

Is Tulsi trending right now?

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

Is Tulsi a common or rare name?

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