MallowbyNames

Swetha

SWEH-thah · White, pure, or bright

Peak popularity
2003
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Swetha since 1988

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

1121321990200020102020Most births 2003Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s7
1990s104
2000s174
2010s27
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Swetha, a name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'white' or 'pure', entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1988 and saw its peak popularity in 2003, when it ranked 1495 among American girls. Since then, its usage has been stable, reflecting consistent but modest interest from families, particularly those with South Asian heritage. Although no top states are recorded for the name, it is most commonly chosen in communities with significant Indian American populations. Swetha's steady trajectory since the 2000s suggests it remains a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with deep cultural roots and a gentle, melodic sound.

Swetha is derived from the Sanskrit word 'shveta' (श्वेत), meaning 'white', 'pure', or 'bright'. In South Indian languages, particularly Tamil and Telugu, it is a common feminine name, often associated with the goddess Parvati or used to denote fairness and purity. The name has been in use in India for decades, but its adoption in the United States began in the late 1980s, consistent with increased immigration from South Asia.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Swe, Sweth

Variants: Shweta, Sweta

Sibling names for Swetha

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

Sisters: Ananya, Divya, Priya, Kavya, Neha

Brothers: Arjun, Rohan, Vikram, Suresh, Anand

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

S is for Swetha, our favorite little girl.

S is for Swetha…”

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

Make Swetha's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Swetha mean?
Swetha means 'white', 'pure', or 'bright' in Sanskrit, often symbolizing purity and radiance.
Is Swetha currently a popular name?
Swetha peaked in popularity in 2003 at rank 1495 among U.S. girls, but it is not currently in the top 1000. Its usage has remained stable in recent years.
Is Swetha a boy or girl name?
Swetha is predominantly a girl's name.