MallowbyNames

Vidya

VID-yah · Knowledge, learning, or wisdom in Sanskrit.

2025 rank (girls)
#10,917
Babies named in 2025
8
Peak popularity
2011
2025 frequency
1 in 200,908 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2014

Declining since 2014, #10,917 for girls today.

Popularity of Vidya since 1972

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

61117198020002020Most births 2007Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s42
1980s69
1990s82
2000s103
2010s131
2020s60

Meaning & origin

Vidya, a name meaning 'knowledge' in Sanskrit, has been in use in the United States since 1972. It reached its peak popularity in 2011, and has since followed a falling trajectory since 2014. In 2025 it ranked 10,917, with approximately 1 in 200,908 newborns receiving the name. Though it has not appeared among top states, Vidya remains a meaningful choice rooted in Indian tradition, reflecting the value placed on learning and wisdom.

Vidya is derived from the Sanskrit root 'vid' (to know), literally meaning 'knowledge' or 'learning'. It is a common given name in India, particularly among Hindu families, where it represents wisdom and education. The name has been used for centuries and remains popular in modern times.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Vidu, Vids

Sibling names for Vidya

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

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

V is for Vidya, our favorite little girl.

V is for Vidya…”

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

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Vidya mean?
Vidya means 'knowledge' or 'wisdom' in Sanskrit.
How popular is the name Vidya?
Vidya ranked 10,917 in the U.S. in 2025, with about 1 in 200,908 newborns given the name that year.
Is Vidya a boy or girl name?
Vidya is primarily a feminine name.