Dharma is a name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word "dharma". It is a term that holds significant meaning in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The exact translation of dharma varies depending on the context, but it generally refers to the concept of duties, laws, conduct, virtues, or the right way of living.
In Hinduism, dharma encompasses numerous aspects such as moral obligations, ethical rules, and societal norms. It guides individuals towards righteousness and helps maintain balance and order in society. Some of the essential components of dharma include truthfulness, non-stealing, self-control, and non-injury to all living beings.
In Buddhism, dharma refers to the teachings of the Buddha, which provide a path to enlightenment and liberation from suffering. It includes the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and other philosophical concepts that guide Buddhists towards understanding the nature of reality and achieving spiritual awakening.
The name Dharma has been popular among Indian families for centuries due to its profound spiritual significance. However, it gained international recognition in recent years after being chosen by celebrities such as Hollywood actress Lucy Liu and former professional tennis player Anna Kournikova for their children.
Despite its ancient origins and rich cultural heritage, the name Dharma remains contemporary and relevant today. It is a timeless symbol of virtue, wisdom, and spiritual growth that continues to inspire individuals around the world who embrace this powerful moniker.
The name Dharma has seen a fluctuating trend in its popularity over the past several decades in the United States. With only five births recorded in 1969, it started off as quite rare. However, it gained some traction in the late 1990s, with a peak of 68 births in 1998.
This decade was a period of relative popularity for the name Dharma, with consistent numbers of births ranging from a low of 24 in 2002 to a high of 55 in 1999. The early 2000s saw a gradual decline in its popularity, with fewer than 30 births each year between 2003 and 2006.
The first decade of the 21st century was marked by further decreases in the number of newborn girls named Dharma. Between 2007 and 2016, there were fewer than 20 births each year for this name. This trend continued into the following years, with only seven births recorded in both 2017 and 2020.
Despite its decreasing popularity in recent years, the name Dharma has still seen a total of 618 newborn girls named thus in the United States from 1969 to 2023. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, there is still a consistent, albeit small, community of parents who choose this unique name for their daughters.
It's important to note that these trends can vary year by year and may not reflect the preferences of parents in all regions or demographics within the United States. However, they do provide an overview of the popularity of the name Dharma over time at a national level.