MallowbyNames

Sunita

soo-NEE-tah · Well-behaved; of good conduct.

Peak popularity
1983
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Sunita since 1963

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

91928198020002020Most births 1983Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s54
1970s170
1980s187
1990s113
2000s69
2010s11
2020s5

Meaning & origin

Sunita has a gentle, melodic sound and a clear meaning rooted in Sanskrit. First recorded in U.S. data in 1963, it reached its peak year in 1983, showing modest use over the decades. The name's trajectory has been stable, reflecting its steady preference within Indian diaspora communities without entering mainstream American popularity. It remains a culturally meaningful choice that honors heritage and positive qualities.

Sunita is a feminine name derived from Sanskrit सुनिता (sunītā), meaning 'well-behaved' or 'of good conduct.' It is a common name in India and among Hindu communities worldwide, where it has been used for centuries. The name gained some visibility in the West during the late 20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Suni, Nita

Variants: Sunitha

Sibling names for Sunita

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

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

S is for Sunita, our favorite little girl.

S is for Sunita…”

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

Make Sunita's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Sunita mean?
Sunita means 'well-behaved' or 'of good conduct' in Sanskrit.
How popular is the name Sunita?
Sunita has never ranked in the US top 1000. Its peak popularity was in 1983, but data for recent years is limited; it remains a steady choice among Indian-American families.
Is Sunita a boy or girl name?
Sunita is almost exclusively used as a feminine name.