Holding steady, #1,373 for girls today.
Popularity of Asha since 1963
Babies named Asha per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 72 |
| 1970s | 566 |
| 1980s | 1,229 |
| 1990s | 2,162 |
| 2000s | 2,120 |
| 2010s | 1,947 |
| 2020s | 973 |
Meaning & origin
Asha is a name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'hope' or 'wish'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1963 and has seen modest but consistent use. Its peak year was 1998, when it ranked highest among American girls. The name has remained stable in popularity, with a 1-in-10,045 rate in the latest year, 2025. Asha is most popular in states like Oregon, New York, and Massachusetts, reflecting its appeal in diverse, multicultural communities. Its simple yet profound meaning has contributed to its enduring charm, making it a cross-cultural choice for families seeking a name with positive connotations.
Asha is derived from the Sanskrit root 'āśā', meaning 'hope' or 'wish'. It has been used as a given name in India for centuries, gaining some international recognition in the 20th century.
Where Asha is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Asha” around the world
Where Asha lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ash, Ashi
Sibling names for Asha
Names that share Asha's style, for a brother or sister.
