MallowbyNames

Poonam

POO-num · Full moon, or a term of endearment in Hindi.

Peak popularity
1986
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Poonam since 1972

Babies named Poonam per year in U.S. Social Security records.

71421198020002020Most births 1986Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s17
1980s145
1990s87
2000s11
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Poonam is a name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'full moon,' first recorded in the United States in 1972. While it has never appeared in the national top 1000, its peak year was 1986, when it saw its highest usage. Since then, its trajectory has remained stable, with a small but consistent number of girls receiving the name each year. The name is closely associated with Hindu culture and is a poetic term in Hindi. Poonam is often seen as a graceful and culturally rich choice, appealing to families seeking a name with celestial meaning and Indian heritage.

Poonam is a name of Sanskrit origin, derived from 'pūrṇimā', meaning 'full moon' or 'full moon night'. In Hindi and other Indian languages, it is used both as a given name and a poetic term. The name has been popular in Hindu families, especially during the late 20th century in the United States.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Poo, Pooni

Variants: Purnima, Purnima

Sibling names for Poonam

Names that share Poonam's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Priya, Anjali, Neha, Ritu, Deepa

Brothers: Ravi, Sunil, Amit, Vijay, Raj

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

P is for Poonam, our favorite little girl.

P is for Poonam…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Poonam's letter becomes Poonam's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Poonam's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Poonam mean?
Poonam means 'full moon' or 'full moon night' in Sanskrit and Hindi.
Is Poonam currently a popular name?
Poonam has not ranked in the U.S. top 1000 since records began in 1900. Its peak year was 1986, but it has remained consistently rare.
Is Poonam a boy or girl name?
Poonam is almost always given to girls.