Holding steady.
Popularity of Puja since 1975
Babies named Puja per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 44 |
| 1980s | 312 |
| 1990s | 301 |
| 2000s | 133 |
| 2010s | 28 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Puja is a feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning worship or adoration, reflecting a central Hindu ritual. In the United States, it first appeared in records in 1975 and saw peak popularity in 1984, during its most frequent year of use. Since then, the name's trajectory has been stable, maintaining a steady but modest presence without dramatic fluctuations. Data indicates it has not cracked the top 1000 nationally, yet it remains a familiar choice, particularly in communities with South Asian heritage. The name's top states are not recorded, suggesting it is distributed rather than concentrated in any single region. As a name that balances cultural depth with simplicity, Puja carries spiritual overtones while being easily recognizable across cultures.
Derived from the Sanskrit noun 'pūjā' (पूजा), meaning worship, reverence, or honor. The word is central to Hindu religious practice, referring to the ritual of offering devotion to deities. The name's use as a personal name reflects the cultural and spiritual significance of the concept in South Asia.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Pooja
Sibling names for Puja
Names that share Puja's style, for a brother or sister.
