A 1980s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Seema since 1966
Babies named Seema per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 49 |
| 1970s | 334 |
| 1980s | 362 |
| 1990s | 180 |
| 2000s | 124 |
| 2010s | 96 |
| 2020s | 47 |
Meaning & origin
Seema is a name of Sanskrit origin that has been in steady use in the United States since at least 1966, when it first entered the Social Security records. Its peak year was 1981, when it achieved its highest rank. In the latest measured year, 2025, Seema ranked 10,107, with an estimated 1 in every 178,585 newborns receiving the name. The name has shown a resurgence in recent years, with its trajectory rising since 2020, particularly after a revival during the 1980s. While Seema has not been as common as some other Indian names in the U.S., its sustained use reflects ongoing cultural ties. The name is deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, where it signifies a boundary or treasure, and is borne by many women across South Asian communities.
Seema is derived from the Sanskrit word 'sīmā' (सीमा), meaning 'boundary' or 'limit'. In Hindu tradition, the name is also associated with 'treasure' or 'wealth', and has been used in India and among the diaspora for decades. It gained familiarity in the West partly through cultural exchanges and diaspora communities.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sim, Simi, Seemu
Sibling names for Seema
Names that share Seema's style, for a brother or sister.
