Rising since 2022, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Hema since 1976
Babies named Hema per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 7 |
| 1980s | 40 |
| 1990s | 53 |
| 2000s | 53 |
| 2010s | 6 |
| 2020s | 11 |
Meaning & origin
Hema is a name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'gold', a direct and lustrous choice. Its peak popularity in the U.S. occurred in 2009, and since 2022 it has been on a rising trajectory, though still rare. In 2025, approximately 1 in 321,453 newborn girls received the name, placing it at rank 14,942. While not associated with any single U.S. state, the name carries cultural resonance within Hindu communities, linked to the mythological figure Hema, wife of the sage Jamadagni. The name's simplicity and precious meaning give it a quiet elegance that parents might find appealing.
Hema is a feminine name of Sanskrit origin, directly derived from hēman (हॆमन्) meaning 'gold'. In Hindu mythology, Hema is the name of the wife of the sage Jamadagni and mother of Parashurama. The name has been used across India and among the Indian diaspora.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hem
Sibling names for Hema
Names that share Hema's style, for a brother or sister.
