Declining since 2021, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Kamala since 1955
Babies named Kamala per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 22 |
| 1960s | 463 |
| 1970s | 304 |
| 1980s | 147 |
| 1990s | 120 |
| 2000s | 74 |
| 2010s | 77 |
| 2020s | 88 |
Meaning & origin
Kamala is a Sanskrit-origin name that entered U.S. records in 1955, peaking in popularity in 1964. As of 2025, it ranks 9,457 with approximately 1 in 160,727 girls receiving the name. The name has seen a declining trajectory since 2021, reflecting a broader trend away from traditional Indian names in favor of more Anglicized choices. Despite its low ranking, Kamala holds cultural significance as the name of the first female U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris, which sparked brief interest in 2020. However, its recent decline suggests that spike was temporary. Historically, the name has never been among the top 1,000, maintaining a steady but niche presence. Its spiritual meaning as an epithet for the goddess Lakshmi ensures continued use among Hindu families in the diaspora.
Kamala is a Sanskrit word meaning 'lotus' and is an epithet of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who is often depicted seated on a lotus. The name has been used in India for centuries, particularly in Hindu families. In recent decades, it gained international visibility through notable bearers such as Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States.
“Kamala” around the world
Where Kamala lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kam, Kami, Mala
Variants: Kamalah, Kamla
Sibling names for Kamala
Names that share Kamala's style, for a brother or sister.
