Nakshatra
A girl's name of Sanskrit origin with 176 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A lunar mansion in Hindu astrology; one of 27 (sometimes also 28) sectors along the ecliptic.
Nakshatra is a girl's baby name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'star, lunar mansion.' In Hindu astrology, the 27 nakshatras are the lunar mansions — divisions of the sky through which the moon passes in its monthly journey — each associated with specific deities, qualities, and destinies. The nakshatra of a person's birth moon shapes their entire astrological chart.
Naming a daughter Nakshatra invokes the entire celestial system of Hindu astrology — a name that literally places the child among the stars and under their influence. It is a beautifully cosmic name with genuine astronomical meaning, used by Hindu families who want something both traditionally meaningful and breathtakingly poetic.
EtymologyShow more
Nakshatra first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 2008. A twenty-first-century entry, Nakshatra belongs to the newest generation of American names — often coined, blended, or borrowed from international sources.
Its Sanskrit classification suggests a path from sanskrit linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Nakshatra has 16+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2008.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 57 | #10317 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 101 | #11690 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 18 | #12673 | — |
The Story of Nakshatra
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2018, Nakshatra is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Nakshatra are most likely born between 2008 and 2024.
How rare is Nakshatra?
Only about 1 in every 276,923 babies born in 2024 was named Nakshatra — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2008, peaked in the 2010s with 101 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Nakshatra by the numbers
- Would fill 4 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(16 years, 2008–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 | #8260 |
| 2023 | 11 | #9416 |
| 2022 | 7 | #13172 |
| 2021 | 6 | #14726 |
| 2020 | 20 | #6013 |
| 2019 | 14 | #8023 |
| 2018 | 25 | #5280 |
| 2017 | 10 | #10490 |
| 2016 | 13 | #8728 |
| 2015 | 14 | #8308 |
| 2014 | 5 | #18430 |
| 2013 | 7 | #14186 |
| 2012 | 5 | #18736 |
| 2011 | 8 | #13025 |
| 2009 | 7 | #14769 |
| 2008 | 11 | #10576 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nakshatra a boy's or girl's name?
When was Nakshatra most popular?
How popular is the name Nakshatra?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2008–2024