Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Asha
GirlSanskrit, Hindi· “hope”
- Meaning
- hope
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- AH-shuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,373
- US babies 2025
- 160
- Best rank
- #796 (1989)
- Peak year
- 2000
Meaning and origin of Asha
Asha is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “hope”.
Asha comes from the Sanskrit word for hope or wish, and it is widely used in India and among South Asian families. It is also found in parts of East Africa, where similar-sounding names are used. The name is well known through the singer Asha Bhosle, one of the most celebrated playback voices in Indian cinema. Asha has a warm, soft sound and a positive meaning that many parents appreciate. It feels gentle, graceful and international. It is easy to spell and pronounce and pairs well with many middle names.
Popularity over time
Asha first appears in US Social Security records in 1963. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 13 different years, starting in 1989. Its best national rank was #796 in 1989, and the most babies received it in 2000, when 250 were named Asha. In 2025, 160 babies were named Asha, and it ranked #1,373 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,273 in 1980, #882 in 2000, #1,363 in 2010, and #1,373 in 2025. Of the 9,069 US girls named Asha since records began, 24% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 2,120 babies. Since 2010, 2,920 more have been named Asha.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Taina, Nautica, Eryn, Keara, and Mikaila.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Asha ranked highest in Oregon, Massachusetts, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | #641 | 5 |
| Massachusetts | #890 | 5 |
| New York | #911 | 17 |
| California | #973 | 28 |
| Virginia | #1051 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Asha over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Asha is usually pronounced AH-shuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-ha”.
Middle names for Asha
A few middle names that flow with Asha: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Asha
Similar names
Isha Girl
EE-shuh
“ruler, lord” · Sanskrit
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SY-shuh
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NAY-hah
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Nisha Girl
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Anisha Girl
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Leela Girl
LEE-luh
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Aarya Girl
AHR-yuh
“noble” · Sanskrit
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Meera Girl
MEER-uh
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Aarna Girl
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Jaya Girl
JY-uh
“victory” · Sanskrit
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Nila Girl
NEE-luh
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Tanvi Girl
TAHN-vee
“slender, delicate” · Sanskrit
#4,059
Lists that include Asha
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Asha mean?
Asha is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “hope”.
What is the origin of the name Asha?
Asha has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Asha comes from the Sanskrit word for hope or wish, and it is widely used in India and among South Asian families.
Is Asha a popular name?
Not especially. Asha ranked #1,373 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Asha a boy or girl name?
Asha is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Asha over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Asha?
Asha is usually pronounced AH-shuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings