Rising since 2011, #8,860 for girls today.
Popularity of Nakshatra since 2008
Babies named Nakshatra per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 18 |
| 2010s | 101 |
| 2020s | 68 |
Meaning & origin
Nakshatra is a Sanskrit name that entered U.S. records in 2008 and has been steadily rising in use, particularly since 2011. Its rank in 2025 is 8,860, with a peak in 2018, reflecting growing interest among families seeking names with celestial and cultural significance. The name is heavily concentrated in California, the top state of adoption. The 1-in-146,115 frequency underscores its rarity, while the upward trajectory suggests a slow but steady increase in appeal, likely tied to broader trends toward spiritual and nature-inspired names.
Nakshatra comes from Sanskrit नक्षत्र (nakṣatra), meaning 'star' or 'lunar mansion.' In Hindu tradition, the 27 nakshatras are divisions of the ecliptic used in Vedic astrology, each associated with a deity and symbolic meaning. The name has been used as a given name in modern India, particularly from the late 2000s onward, reflecting a trend toward astrological and nature-inspired names.
Where Nakshatra is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nakshu, Naks
Variants: Nakshatraa
Sibling names for Nakshatra
Names that share Nakshatra's style, for a brother or sister.
