Rising since 2011, #7,133 for girls today.
Popularity of Gurbani since 2008
Babies named Gurbani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 11 |
| 2010s | 67 |
| 2020s | 83 |
Meaning & origin
Gurbani is a modern Sikh name drawn from the Punjabi term for the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism. The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2008, a time when Sikh and Punjabi names were gaining visibility among diaspora families. Its trajectory has been rising since 2011, and it reached its peak rank of 7,133 in 2024, a year before the latest data. In 2025, it remains a rare choice, given to approximately 1 in 107,151 girls, with California recording the highest usage. Gurbani reflects a broader naming practice among Sikh communities of bestowing names with spiritual significance, often derived from the Sikh holy text. As a name unassociated with any specific historical figure, it carries the meaning 'the Guru's word' and serves as a living connection to faith and heritage. Its rising usage suggests a growing appreciation for names that articulate cultural identity within the 2020s.
Gurbani is a Punjabi term composed of 'gur' (guru, teacher) and 'bani' (speech, utterance). It specifically refers to the compositions found in the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. As a given name, it emerged among Sikh families in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, reflecting a trend of naming children after religious concepts.
Where Gurbani is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Gurbani” around the world
Where Gurbani lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
12
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gurbi, Bani, Guri
Sibling names for Gurbani
Names that share Gurbani's style, for a brother or sister.
