Holding steady.
Popularity of Pallavi since 1978
Babies named Pallavi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 38 |
| 1990s | 130 |
| 2000s | 158 |
| 2010s | 22 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Pallavi first entered U.S. birth records in 1978 and saw its peak popularity in 1998, the year it reached its highest recorded usage. Since then, its frequency has remained relatively stable, though it has never broken into the national top 1000. The name's trajectory over the decades shows a consistent but modest presence, reflecting its cultural roots in the Indian diaspora. Pallavi's meaning ties it directly to Indian classical music, where it denotes a short melodic phrase. This makes it a notable choice for families wishing to honor South Asian heritage.
Pallavi comes from Sanskrit पल्लवी (pallavī), meaning 'a sprout' or 'a blossom,' and in the context of Indian classical music refers to an opening phrase or a short musical composition. The name has been used in India, particularly in South India, for centuries. Its adoption as a personal name gained traction in the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pallu, Lavi, Pali
Sibling names for Pallavi
Names that share Pallavi's style, for a brother or sister.
