Declining since 2001.
Popularity of Ananda since 1968
Babies named Ananda per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 15 | 0 |
| 1970s | 199 | 35 |
| 1980s | 173 | 5 |
| 1990s | 349 | 0 |
| 2000s | 691 | 21 |
| 2010s | 155 | 42 |
| 2020s | 42 | 8 |
Meaning & origin
Ananda is a Sanskrit name meaning 'bliss' that entered U.S. records in 1968. It saw a modest peak in 2002, with fewer than 5 births per year since 2001, reflecting a steady decline. The name has never entered the top 1000, remaining rare. In Hindu tradition, it is associated with the Buddha's disciple Ananda, symbolizing joy and enlightenment.
Ananda derives from the Sanskrit root 'ānand' meaning bliss or joy. It is a masculine name in India (a common epithet of the Buddha's disciple) but has also been used as a feminine name in the West since the mid-20th century. The name gained some popularity in the United States during the 2000s, peaking in 2002.
“Ananda” around the world
Where Ananda lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Annie, Andy, Nanda
Variants: Anand, Anando, Anandam
Sibling names for Ananda
Names that share Ananda's style, for a brother or sister.
