MallowbyNames

Chanda

CHAHN-dah · Moon; also a feminine form of Chandra, meaning 'moon' in Sanskrit.

Peak popularity
1976
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Chanda since 1947

Babies named Chanda per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1392794181960198020002020Most births 1976Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1940s27
1950s141
1960s585
1970s3,402
1980s1,273
1990s549
2000s101
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Chanda is an elegant name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'moon'. It was first recorded in the U.S. in 1947, and its peak in popularity came in 1976. Since then, its usage has remained stable but very rare, with fewer than 5 births per year in recent decades. The name is closely tied to Hindu culture and the moon god Chandra, giving it a celestial and spiritual resonance. Chanda's simple two-syllable structure makes it accessible while retaining its cultural roots. It has not appeared among the top 1000 names in any recent year, which appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful choice.

Chanda is a feminized form of the Sanskrit Chandra, meaning 'moon'. In Hindu mythology, Chandra is the moon god, and the name has been used across South Asia. It entered English-speaking usage in the mid-20th century, partly through Indian diaspora communities.

Where Chanda 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.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Chan, Chani

Variants: Chandana, Chandni, Chandrika

Sibling names for Chanda

Names that share Chanda's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Maya, Priya, Anjali, Lena, Sita

Brothers: Arun, Kiran, Ravi, Vivek, Nikhil

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Chanda, our favorite little girl.

C is for Chanda…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Chanda's letter becomes Chanda's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Chanda's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Chanda mean?
Chanda means 'moon' and is a feminine form of Chandra, the Sanskrit word for moon.
How popular is Chanda currently?
Chanda is not in the top 1000 U.S. names for 2025, with fewer than 5 births recorded that year.
Is Chanda a girl or boy name?
Chanda is primarily a girl's name, though it can be used as a masculine name in some cultures (e.g., as a short form of Chandra).