Holding steady, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Bhakti since 1987
Babies named Bhakti per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 10 |
| 1990s | 41 |
| 2000s | 52 |
| 2010s | 49 |
| 2020s | 10 |
Meaning & origin
The name Bhakti emerges from the rich spiritual lexicon of Sanskrit, directly translating to 'devotion' or 'love' in a religious sense. In the United States, it first appeared on the Social Security Administration's records in 1987 and has remained a rare but steady choice, never breaking into the top 10,000. At its peak in 2009, it still saw only modest usage. In 2025, its rank was 14,942 with approximately 1 in 321,453 newborn girls receiving the name. The name's trajectory has been stable, suggesting a small but consistent group of parents drawn to its profound meaning and connection to Hindu devotional traditions. While it has not seen widespread use, Bhakti carries a distinctiveness that appeals to those seeking a name with spiritual depth. Its top states of usage are not concentrated in any particular region, indicating a broad but thin distribution across the country.
Bhakti derives from the Sanskrit root भज् (bhaj), meaning 'to share, participate in, or adore.' In Hinduism, Bhakti refers to a tradition of devotion to a personal god, prominent in texts like the Bhagavad Gita. The name gained modest use outside India in the late 20th century, particularly among families with spiritual inclinations.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bhak, Bhakti
Variants: Bhaktee, Bhakthy
Sibling names for Bhakti
Names that share Bhakti's style, for a brother or sister.
