Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Bodhi
BoySanskrit· “awakening, enlightenment”
- Meaning
- awakening, enlightenment
- Origin
- Sanskrit
- Pronunciation
- BOH-dee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #265
- US babies 2025
- 1,301
- Best rank
- #265 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Bodhi
Bodhi is a Sanskrit name that means “awakening, enlightenment”.
Bodhi is a Sanskrit and Pali word meaning awakening or enlightenment, a central idea in Buddhism. According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha reached enlightenment while meditating beneath a fig tree, which became known as the Bodhi tree. As a given name, Bodhi has become popular in English-speaking countries among families drawn to its peaceful meaning and relaxed, easygoing sound. It suits families interested in meditation or Asian traditions, and it also appeals to those who like its surfer-friendly feel. Bodhi is short and sweet, and it pairs well with both classic and nature-inspired middle names.
Popularity over time
Bodhi first appears in US Social Security records in 1976. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 16 different years, starting in 2010. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #265, and its highest count, 1,301 babies. Use has grown 122% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #4,225 in 2000, #907 in 2010, and #265 in 2025. Of the 14,292 US boys named Bodhi since records began, 49% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 6,291 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kayson, Bowen, Saint, Koa, and Bodie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Bodhi ranked highest in Hawaii, Washington, and Idaho.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #91 | 10 |
| Washington | #120 | 66 |
| Idaho | #127 | 20 |
| Oregon | #135 | 30 |
| Alaska | #143 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Bodhi over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Bodhi is usually pronounced BOH-dee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with B and ends in “-hi”.
Middle names for Bodhi
A few middle names that flow with Bodhi: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Bodhi
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Lists that include Bodhi
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Bodhi mean?
Bodhi is a Sanskrit name that means “awakening, enlightenment”.
What is the origin of the name Bodhi?
Bodhi has Sanskrit roots. Bodhi is a Sanskrit and Pali word meaning awakening or enlightenment, a central idea in Buddhism.
Is Bodhi a popular name?
Yes. Bodhi ranked #265 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Bodhi a boy or girl name?
Bodhi is mainly a boy's name. About 96% of US babies named Bodhi over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Bodhi?
Bodhi is usually pronounced BOH-dee. 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