Kamala is a name of Indian origin that has gained significant recognition and popularity in recent years. Derived from the Sanskrit word "Kumuda," which means "lotus flower," Kamala holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
The lotus flower is often associated with beauty, grace, and purity in these religions. It grows in muddy waters but rises above the surface to bloom into a stunningly beautiful flower, symbolizing enlightenment and rising above adversity. Thus, the name Kamala signifies purity, elegance, and triumph over obstacles.
In Hindu mythology, Kamala is also known as the consort of Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. She is depicted as a beautiful woman holding lotuses in her hands, further emphasizing the connection between her name and the lotus flower.
The name Kamala has been popular among South Asian communities for centuries but gained international attention when it was chosen by the 49th Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris. Born to an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, Harris was named after the Hindu goddess, Kamala, symbolizing her parents' hopes for their daughter's future.
In conclusion, Kamala is a name rich in cultural and spiritual significance, representing purity, elegance, and triumph over adversity. Its origins trace back thousands of years to ancient Indian culture, but it has since gained global recognition as a name that embodies strength, beauty, and resilience.
The name Kamala has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States, as evidenced by the annual birth statistics provided.
In the mid-20th century, particularly between 1958 and 1964, there was a significant increase in the number of births with the name Kamala. The year 1963 saw a substantial spike with 44 births, which was more than three times the previous year's total.
However, from the late 1960s onwards, the popularity of the name started to decline. Between 1970 and 2008, the number of annual births with the name Kamala averaged around 8-15 per year, showing a consistent but low level of usage.
Interestingly, there appears to be renewed interest in the name Kamala in recent years. After reaching a low of just 6 births in both 2007 and 2008, the number started to rise again, peaking at 25 births in 2021, the highest since 1964.
Overall, over the period from 1955 to 2023 (excluding years with no data), a total of 1271 babies were named Kamala at birth in the United States. This shows that while the name has not been among the most popular choices throughout history, it has maintained a consistent presence and has seen periods of increased usage over time.
In conclusion, these statistics demonstrate how the popularity of the name Kamala has evolved over several decades in the United States, with periods of high usage followed by stretches of lower but steady occurrence.