MallowbyNames

Rupa

रूपाROO-pah · one of uncertain origin; commonly associated with the Sanskrit word for 'form' or 'beauty'

Peak popularity
1978
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Rupa since 1969

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

4812198020002020Most births 1978Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s5
1970s70
1980s78
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Rupa first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1969, with a peak in usage in 1978. The name has maintained a stable but low trajectory since then, never entering the top 1,000 names. While its exact origins are uncertain, it is widely believed to derive from the Sanskrit word for 'form' or 'beauty'. The name is most commonly used within Indian-American communities, reflecting cultural heritage. Its rarity in the broader U.S. population contributes to its distinctive appeal.

Rupa is derived from the Sanskrit word 'rūpa' (रूप), meaning 'form, shape, beauty, or color'. The name has been used in Hindu families for centuries, often as a feminine name symbolizing physical beauty. It gained some popularity in the United States during the 1970s, particularly among families of Indian descent, though it has never reached widespread use.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Roops, Rupz

Variants: Roopa, Roopa

Sibling names for Rupa

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

Sisters: Priya, Anjali, Meera, Sita, Kavita

Brothers: Ravi, Vijay, Arjun, Sanjay, Deepak

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

R is for Rupa, our favorite little girl.

R is for Rupa…”

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

Make Rupa's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Rupa mean?
Rupa is commonly associated with the Sanskrit word for 'form' or 'beauty', though its exact meaning is debated.
How popular is the name Rupa?
Rupa has remained relatively rare in the United States. Its peak year of usage was 1978, but it has not ranked among the top 1,000 names in recent decades.
Is Rupa a boy or girl name?
Rupa is predominantly used as a girl's name, though it is occasionally given to boys.