Rising since 2000, #5,554 for girls today.
Popularity of Shakti since 2000
Babies named Shakti per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 50 |
| 2010s | 82 |
| 2020s | 90 |
Meaning & origin
Shakti entered U.S. naming records in 2000 and has been steadily climbing ever since. As of 2025, it ranks 5,554 nationally with 1 in 73,058 newborns receiving the name, reaching its highest rank yet. The name saw its most significant trajectory rise during the 2020s, reflecting growing interest in spiritual and culturally meaningful names. Its top state for usage is California, indicating a concentration in areas with larger South Asian communities. While still uncommon, Shakti carries profound cultural weight as a central concept in Hinduism, making it a choice that blends tradition with a modern sensibility. As a relatively recent addition to U.S. naming data, its upward trend suggests continued growth.
Shakti derives from the Sanskrit root 'śak' meaning 'to be able' or 'to have power.' In Hindu theology, Shakti is the primordial cosmic energy and the dynamic feminine principle, often personified as the goddess Devi. The name has been used in India for centuries and gained modest usage in the West beginning in the late 20th century.
Where Shakti is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shak, Kiti
Variants: Sakti
Sibling names for Shakti
Names that share Shakti's style, for a brother or sister.
