Declining since 1999.
Popularity of Dharma since 1969
Babies named Dharma per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 132 |
| 2000s | 330 |
| 2010s | 122 |
| 2020s | 23 |
Meaning & origin
Dharma is a name with deep spiritual roots, drawn from the Sanskrit concept of cosmic order and moral duty. In the United States, it first appeared in birth records in 1969 and saw a modest peak in 1998, likely influenced by the television show 'Dharma & Greg'. Since 1999, its usage has steadily declined. The name has never cracked the top 1000, reflecting its niche appeal among parents seeking a name with philosophical or Eastern religious significance. Its rarity and conceptual weight make it a distinctive choice, though its popularity has waned over the past two decades.
Dharma derives directly from the Sanskrit root dhṛ, meaning 'to hold, maintain, preserve'. In Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, dharma refers to the cosmic order, moral law, and one's righteous duty. The name gained sporadic use in English-speaking countries in the late 20th century, partly influenced by the television sitcom 'Dharma & Greg' (1997-2002). It has never charted in the U.S. top 1000 but has been given to a few hundred girls since the 1990s.
Sibling names for Dharma
Names that share Dharma's style, for a brother or sister.
