Asha – Name Meaning
Asha is a name of Sanskrit origin, meaning “hope” or “wish”. It is a popular name in India and other parts of South Asia, as well as in the Middle East. Asha is also used in some African countries, such as Nigeria and Ghana. In the United States, it has been gaining popularity since the 1990s.
Origin and History
The name Asha comes from the Sanskrit word “ashaya” which means “hope” or “wish”. It is believed to have originated in India, but it has spread to many other countries over time. The name was first recorded in England in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that it began to gain popularity.
In Hinduism, Asha is associated with the goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. She is often depicted holding a lotus flower, which symbolizes hope and new beginnings. This connection to Lakshmi makes Asha an auspicious name for a baby girl.
Popularity
Asha has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years. In 2018, it was ranked #717 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names in the United States. It was also one of the top 100 most popular names for girls born in England and Wales in 2017.
The name Asha has become increasingly popular among celebrities as well. Actress Aisha Tyler chose this name for her daughter in 2016, while singer Ashanti named her daughter Asha-Leigh in 2018.
Variations
There are several variations of the name Asha that are used around the world. Some of these include Aisha (Arabic), Aysha (Turkish), Ayesha (Urdu), Ayşe (Turkish), and Ayshe (Azerbaijani).
Famous People Named Asha
There are many famous people who have been given the name Asha. These include Indian actress Asha Parekh, British singer-songwriter Asha Bhosle, American actress Aisha Tyler, and Nigerian singer-songwriter Asa.
