Holding steady, #4,067 for girls today.
Popularity of Tulsi since 1987
Babies named Tulsi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 25 |
| 1990s | 128 |
| 2000s | 127 |
| 2010s | 135 |
| 2020s | 185 |
Meaning & origin
Tulsi is a feminine name of Sanskrit origin, referring to the holy basil plant revered in Hinduism. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1987, and as of 2025 it ranks 4,067th, with approximately 1 in 45,922 baby girls receiving the name. Its popularity has remained stable, with its peak year in 2024. Tulsi is not strongly associated with any particular state in the U.S. and has no common nicknames. While still rare, the name carries deep cultural and spiritual significance, particularly in Hindu communities, and has been used in India for centuries before being adopted in the West.
Tulsi derives from the Sanskrit word तुलसी (tulasī), meaning 'holy basil.' In Hindu tradition, the plant is considered sacred and often grown in courtyards or temples. The name has been used as a given name in India for many years, gaining some visibility in the West in the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Tulsee, Tulasee
Sibling names for Tulsi
Names that share Tulsi's style, for a brother or sister.
