Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Chanda
GirlSanskrit, American (modern coinage)· “fierce, or variant of Shonda”
- Meaning
- fierce, or variant of Shonda
- Origin
- Sanskrit, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- CHAHN-duh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- Unranked
- US babies 2025
- 0
- Best rank
- #460 (1976)
- Peak year
- 1976
Meaning and origin of Chanda
Chanda is a Sanskrit and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “fierce, or variant of Shonda”.
Chanda is a Sanskrit word meaning fierce or passionate, and in Hindu tradition it is associated with Chandi, a fierce form of the goddess Durga, as well as with a demon named Chanda whom she defeats in the Devi Mahatmya. The similar word chanda also means moon in some Indian languages. In the United States Chanda has been used since the mid twentieth century, where it may also be a variant of Shonda or Chandra. It is usually said CHAHN-duh, though English speakers sometimes say SHAHN-duh. Chan is a possible nickname.
Popularity over time
Chanda first appears in US Social Security records in 1947. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 13 different years, starting in 1969. Its best national rank was #460 in 1976, the same year it reached its highest count of 418 babies. It did not appear in the 2025 data, which only lists names given to at least five babies.
Its national rank moved from #4,377 in 1950, #825 in 1980, and #4,554 in 2000. Of the 6,078 US girls named Chanda since records began, 56% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 1,273 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jamila, Maricela, Cori, Tomeka, and Salina.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Chanda is usually pronounced CHAHN-duh, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with C and ends in “-da”.
Middle names for Chanda
A few middle names that flow with Chanda: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Chanda
Similar names
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Lists that include Chanda
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Chanda mean?
Chanda is a Sanskrit and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “fierce, or variant of Shonda”.
What is the origin of the name Chanda?
Chanda has Sanskrit and modern American roots. Chanda is a Sanskrit word meaning fierce or passionate, and in Hindu tradition it is associated with Chandi, a fierce form of the goddess Durga, as well as with a demon named Chanda whom she defeats in the Devi Mahatmya.
Is Chanda a popular name?
No. Chanda was not recorded for five or more babies of its most common sex in 2025, so it is rare today.
Is Chanda a boy or girl name?
Chanda is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Chanda?
Chanda is usually pronounced CHAHN-duh. 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