Declining since 2014, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Vidya since 1972
Babies named Vidya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 42 |
| 1980s | 69 |
| 1990s | 82 |
| 2000s | 103 |
| 2010s | 131 |
| 2020s | 60 |
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.

