Holding steady, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Mitra since 1961
Babies named Mitra per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 43 |
| 1970s | 84 |
| 1980s | 130 |
| 1990s | 85 |
| 2000s | 104 |
| 2010s | 92 |
| 2020s | 52 |
Meaning & origin
Mitra is a name with deep ancient roots, appearing in both Sanskrit and Persian traditions as a word for 'friend' and as the name of a deity. In the United States, it has been in use since 1961, with a peak in popularity in 1988. As of 2025, it ranks 10,917 nationally, given to about 1 in 200,908 babies. The name's trajectory has remained stable over recent decades, and it shows no signs of a revival. While its use is modest, Mitra carries a rich cultural heritage that spans Vedic and Zoroastrian contexts, making it a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with ancient resonance.
Mitra derives from Sanskrit 'mitra' (friend, ally), and appears in the Rigveda as the name of a solar deity embodying friendship and harmony. In Persian, Mithra was a major deity in Zoroastrianism, associated with light and covenants. The name has been used in India and across Persian-influenced cultures for millennia. In modern times, it has seen occasional use in the West as a unisex name, though more commonly for girls in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Mithra, Mithras
Sibling names for Mitra
Names that share Mitra's style, for a brother or sister.
