Declining since 2003, #4,878 for girls today.
Popularity of Esha since 1975
Babies named Esha per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 28 |
| 1980s | 75 |
| 1990s | 186 |
| 2000s | 934 |
| 2010s | 535 |
| 2020s | 168 |
Meaning & origin
Esha, a Sanskrit name meaning 'desire,' entered U.S. records in 1975. It reached its highest rank of 4,878 in 2002, reflecting the growing diversity of naming trends during that decade. Since 2003, its usage has gradually declined, with approximately 1 in 59,528 girls named Esha in 2025. The name is most popular in California and Texas, states with large Indian-American communities. While less common than its variant Aisha, Esha maintains a steady presence, appealing to parents seeking a short, meaningful name with cross-cultural resonance.
Esha derives from the Sanskrit root 'इष्' (iṣ), meaning 'to desire' or 'to seek,' and is directly related to the noun 'इच्छा' (icchā), meaning 'wish' or 'desire.' It is a common feminine name in India, often chosen for its positive connotation of aspiration. The name has also gained usage in English-speaking countries through the Indian diaspora, with a notable increase in the United States starting in the 1970s.
Where Esha is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Esh
Sibling names for Esha
Names that share Esha's style, for a brother or sister.
