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.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Tulsi Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tulsi Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tulsi Claire
French influence · crisp
Tulsi Jane
Literary · strong
Tulsi Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tulsi right now?
Falling — down 954 spots — currently #5239 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
What names sound and feel like Tulsi?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tulsi also consider these
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.