Most common name in India is…., most popular name in world is…, answers will surprise you
A name is more than just a word—it’s an identity, a legacy, and sometimes, a reflection of history and culture. In India, where traditions run deep, naming a child is a momentous occasion, often marked by rituals and family gatherings. But have you ever wondered which name is the most common in the country?
According to a 2023 report by Forebears, the most common name in India is Ram. Surprising, isn’t it? Nearly 5.6 million Indians share this name. Rooted in Hindu mythology, the name Ram symbolizes virtue, strength, and devotion. It’s no wonder that so many parents choose this timeless name for their sons.
Following closely is Muhammad, another widely popular name, with approximately 4.25 million people in India carrying it. With its origins in Islam, Muhammad is a name that signifies praise and admiration. It is a reflection of deep faith and respect for Prophet Muhammad, making it one of the most frequently chosen names across generations.
In North India, Sanjay is a widely used name, with a total of 3,188,335 people carrying it. However, its popularity is relatively lower in South India. Despite regional variations, Sanjay remains a well-recognized and frequently chosen name. Another prevalent name across the country is Sunil. Statistics show that one in every 1,399 people in India is named Sunil.
Similarly, Rajesh has been a favorite name since the 1990s and continues to be popular. In India, one in every 1,417 people is named Rajesh.
Most common name in women
While these names dominate among men, the most common name among Indian women is Sunita. Around 4 million women in India bear this name, which means “well-mannered” or “polite” in Sanskrit. Sunita gained immense popularity in the 20th century and continues to be a beloved name for daughters.
Apart from Ram, Muhammad, and Sunita, several other names are widely used across India. Among them, Anita stands out as one of the most popular names for girls. It ranks fifth among the most commonly used names in the country. Statistically, one in every 1,347 people is named Anita.
Another name that frequently appears in schools, colleges, and workplaces is Santosh. What makes Santosh unique is that it is used for both boys and girls. On average, one in every 1,356 people is named Santosh.
For women, another widely used name is Gita (Geeta). With a total of 2,867,531 women named Gita, it remains a well-loved and traditional choice. Unlike Santosh, this name is exclusively given to girls.
Some names are commonly used for both man and woman. One such name is Sri (Shree). Of those named Sri, 88 per cent are male and 12 per cent are female. There are a total of 36,91,429 people named Sri in the country.
What is the most popular name in world?
What is the most common name on earth? According to a 2023 study, Muhammad is the most popular first name in the world, with an estimated 133,349,300 people bearing the name. Maria comes in second place with 61,134,526 people. It is widely used across Spanish, Portuguese, and many other cultures. Maria is followed by Nushi with around 56 million individuals named so, primarily in China.