Holding steady.
Popularity of Usha since 1951
Babies named Usha per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 18 |
| 1970s | 78 |
| 1980s | 25 |
| 1990s | 11 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 10 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Usha is a feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'dawn.' The name has a long history, appearing in the Rigveda as a goddess of dawn. Despite its ancient roots and cultural significance, Usha has never been a common name in the United States. It was first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1951 and reached its peak popularity in 1973, though it has never cracked the top 1000. Its trajectory has been stable over the decades, with modest but consistent usage. The name is rarely given in large numbers; for example, in recent years it remains below the 1-in-N threshold for statistical reporting. Usha is particularly found among families with South Asian heritage, and it has no strong association with any particular U.S. state.
Usha comes from the Sanskrit word uṣás (उषस्), meaning 'dawn'. In Hindu mythology, Usha is the goddess of dawn, daughter of the sky god Dyaus and sister of the night goddess Ratri. The name has been used in India for centuries and appears in the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ushi
Variants: Usha, Ushas, Oosha
Sibling names for Usha
Names that share Usha's style, for a brother or sister.
