Holding steady.
Popularity of Kumari since 1978
Babies named Kumari per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 7 | 0 |
| 2000s | 59 | 21 |
| 2010s | 50 | 15 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Kumari entered the U.S. naming scene in 1978, a time when South Asian names were gradually gaining visibility. However, the name has never cracked the top 1,000, with its peak of usage occurring in 2007. It remains an uncommon choice, reflecting its cultural specificity and the enduring use of its Sanskrit roots. The name's trajectory is stable, indicating a consistent but low-level presence. While no top states have been recorded, Kumari carries deep cultural resonance for many families, especially those with ties to India and Nepal.
Kumari derives from Sanskrit कुमारी (kumārī), meaning 'girl, daughter, young woman'. It is related to the masculine Kumara, an epithet of the god Kartikeya. The term has been used for centuries in South Asia as a respectful address for girls and as a title for virgin goddesses like Kumari in Nepalese tradition. In modern usage, it is sometimes given as a given name, especially in India and Nepal.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kuku, Mari, Riri
Variants: Kumari, Kumaari
Sibling names for Kumari
Names that share Kumari's style, for a brother or sister.
