Declining since 1996.
Popularity of Pooja since 1976
Babies named Pooja per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 68 |
| 1980s | 369 |
| 1990s | 957 |
| 2000s | 501 |
| 2010s | 86 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Pooja, a name of Sanskrit origin meaning worship, first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1976. It reached its peak popularity in 1997, during the 1990s when many Indian names saw increased use among the growing Indian diaspora. The name has been falling since 1996, and by 2025 it no longer ranks in the top 1000. Despite its decline, Pooja remains a familiar and meaningful choice for families with Hindu heritage. The name has not been concentrated in any particular U.S. state, reflecting its widespread but modest use across the country.
Pooja derives from the Sanskrit word pūjā (पूजा), meaning worship or reverence. It refers specifically to the Hindu ritual of offering prayers, flowers, and food to deities. The name has been widely used across India and among Hindu communities worldwide since the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Poo, Puji
Sibling names for Pooja
Names that share Pooja's style, for a brother or sister.
