Rising since 2005, #8,860 for girls today.
Popularity of Sonam since 1986
Babies named Sonam per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 45 | 0 |
| 1990s | 170 | 0 |
| 2000s | 57 | 37 |
| 2010s | 151 | 45 |
| 2020s | 69 | 42 |
Meaning & origin
Sonam is a unisex name of Tibetan origin, meaning merit, virtue, or good fortune. In the United States, it was first recorded in 1986 and has seen a gradual increase in use, particularly since 2005. Its peak popularity came in 1992, and as of 2025, it ranks 8,860 with about 1 in 146,115 newborns given the name. The name is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist culture, often chosen for its auspicious connotations. While not among the most common names, Sonam has a steady and rising presence, reflecting growing interest in names with spiritual and cultural significance.
Sonam is of Tibetan origin, derived from the word 'bsod-nams' meaning merit, virtue, or good fortune. It is a common given name in Tibet, Bhutan, and among Tibetan Buddhist communities. The name carries strong cultural and religious significance, often associated with positive qualities and blessings.
“Sonam” around the world
Where Sonam lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sonu, Sonny
Sibling names for Sonam
Names that share Sonam's style, for a brother or sister.
