Deepa

दीपाDEE-pah · A lamp or light, also interpreted as radiance.

Peak popularity

1981

Usually for

Girls

Trend

Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Deepa since 1968

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

Data table (by decade)

Decade	Girls
1960s	5
1970s	111
1980s	186
1990s	129
2000s	43
2010s	6
2020s	0

Meaning & origin

Deepa entered U.S. records in 1968 and saw its peak popularity in 1981. Despite its cultural richness, the name has never ranked in the top 1,000 nationally. Its trajectory has been stable, with a low but consistent presence. The name's core meaning of 'light' or 'lamp' resonates across Sanskrit-derived names, making it a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with South Asian heritage.

Deepa is a feminine name derived from the Sanskrit word दीप (dīpa), meaning 'lamp' or 'light'. It is closely related to the masculine name Deepak, both symbolizing illumination and brightness. The name has been used throughout India and among the Hindu diaspora, often chosen for its positive connotation of guiding light and knowledge.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Deep

Variants: Deepika, Dipa

Sibling names for Deepa

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

Sisters: Anjali, Priya, Rohini, Shanti, Uma, Kavita, Sapna, Shivani, Amita, Poonam, Priti, Ritu, Rupal, Shefali, Anupama, Sangeeta, Chandrika, Savita, Smita, Sujata

Brothers: Arun, Deepak, Kiran, Ravi, Vivek, Vikas, Alok, Ramesh, Sumit, Sundeep, Nilesh, Niraj, Suresh

Questions parents ask

What does Deepa mean?

Deepa means 'lamp' or 'light' in Sanskrit, and by extension, radiance.

How popular is Deepa today?

Deepa peaked in usage in 1981. As of the latest data (2025), it does not rank among the top 1,000 names in the United States, indicating it is very rarely used.

Is Deepa a boy or girl name?

Deepa is primarily a girl's name, though it can occasionally be used for boys as a variant of Deepak.