A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Kanika since 1973
Babies named Kanika per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 500 |
| 1980s | 358 |
| 1990s | 228 |
| 2000s | 67 |
| 2010s | 68 |
| 2020s | 33 |
Meaning & origin
Kanika entered the U.S. naming record in 1973 and saw its peak popularity in 1978. The name is of Sanskrit origin, meaning 'small particle' or 'atom,' and is also a name for the goddess Durga in Hinduism. After a period of fluctuating usage, Kanika has been on a rising trajectory since 2008, reflecting a broader renewed interest in traditional Indian names. In 2025, it ranked 13,208 with an incidence of 1 in 267,878 births. While not among the most common Indian names in the U.S., Kanika carries deep cultural and spiritual resonance.
Kanika is a Sanskrit word meaning 'small particle' or 'atom,' and it is also used as a name for the Hindu goddess Durga. It has been used as a given name in India for centuries, particularly among Hindu families. The name gained some popularity in the United States beginning in the 1970s, likely through Indian diaspora communities.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kani
Sibling names for Kanika
Names that share Kanika's style, for a brother or sister.
