Kunga
Primarily a boy's name of Tibetan origin with 96 recorded births. Also given to 21 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A kind of equid in ancient Mesopotamia (probably a donkey-onager cross).
Kunga is a boy's and girl's baby name of Tibetan origin, from the Tibetan meaning 'all joy' or 'universal happiness.' It is a popular Buddhist name used across Tibet, Bhutan, and among Tibetan diaspora communities, often given to children born during auspicious times.
Kunga carries one of the most joyful and expansive meanings imaginable — a name that wishes not just happiness, but universal, overflowing happiness for a child.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Kunga is a boy's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (2003–2024). Its Tibetan roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
Today, Kunga is an active part of the American naming landscape (ranked #13343), continuing to accumulate its own cultural meaning with each new child who carries it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kunga has 13+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2003.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 37 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 49 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 10 | — |
The Story of Kunga
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2003, Kunga is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Kunga are most likely born between 2003 and 2013.
How rare is Kunga?
Only about 1 in every 720,000 babies born in 2024 was named Kunga — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2003, peaked in the 2010s with 49 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Kunga by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(13 years, 2003–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | #13343 |
| 2023 | 7 | #10315 |
| 2022 | 8 | #9474 |
| 2021 | 9 | #8550 |
| 2020 | 8 | #9181 |
| 2018 | 7 | #10279 |
| 2017 | 6 | #11571 |
| 2015 | 7 | #10174 |
| 2013 | 9 | #8493 |
| 2012 | 5 | #13361 |
| 2011 | 7 | #10292 |
| 2010 | 8 | #9294 |
| 2003 | 10 | #7026 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Kunga as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Kunga has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 21 births since 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kunga a boy's or girl's name?
When was Kunga most popular?
How popular is the name Kunga?
Can Kunga be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2003–2024