MallowbyNames

Seva

SEH-vah · One meaning is 'service' or 'devotion' in Sanskrit, but the name may also be a diminutive of other names.

2025 rank (girls)
#11,932
Babies named in 2025
7
Peak popularity
2024
2025 frequency
1 in 229,610 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2009

Rising since 2009, #11,932 for girls today.

Popularity of Seva since 1965

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

4711198020002020Most births 2024GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1960s50
1970s00
1980s00
1990s00
2000s60
2010s600
2020s4115

Meaning & origin

Seva is a name with layered origins, rooted in the Sanskrit word for 'service' or 'devotion.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1965, but its usage remained extremely rare for decades. The name began a steady rise in popularity starting around 2009, and as of 2025, it ranked 11,932 nationally, with about 1 in every 229,610 female births. Its peak year came in 2024, reflecting growing interest in spiritual and meaningful names. While Seva has not yet appeared in any state's top-name lists, its upward trajectory suggests it may gain broader appeal. The name's simplicity and cross-cultural resonance make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with depth.

Seva has multiple possible origins. In Sanskrit, 'seva' (सेवा) means 'service' or 'devotion.' It is also a Slavic short form of names such as Vsevolod or Severin, though it is rarely used as an independent name in Slavic countries. In modern Western usage, it is often chosen for its spiritual connotations or as a unique name.

Sibling names for Seva

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

Sisters: Ama, Kira, Leela, Nava, Zara

Brothers: Mira, Ravi, Soren, Dara, Kai

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

S is for Seva, our favorite little girl.

S is for Seva…”

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

Make Seva's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Seva mean?
Seva is a Sanskrit word meaning 'service' or 'devotion.' It may also be a Slavic nickname.
How popular is the name Seva?
As of 2025, Seva ranked 11,932 in the U.S., with about 1 in 229,610 births. It has been rising in popularity since 2009 and peaked in 2024.
Is Seva a boy's or girl's name?
Seva is primarily used as a girl's name in the U.S., though its Sanskrit origin is gender-neutral.