Bodhi
Does Bodhi flow with your last name?
Ancient Sanskrit wisdom meets modern cool
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →Things to Know About This Name
- May be seen as overly trendy or appropriative of Buddhist culture by some; associated with the villain in Point Break
The Story of Bodhi
Bodhi comes from the Sanskrit word 'bodhi' (बोधि), meaning 'awakening' or 'enlightenment.' In Buddhist tradition, bodhi refers to the profound understanding through which a sentient being attains nirvana. The Bodhi Tree (Ficus religiosa) under which Siddhartha Gautama is said to have attained enlightenment is one of the most sacred symbols in Buddhism. The name entered Western consciousness primarily through surf and outdoor cultures in Australia and California before becoming broadly popular.
Bodhi was virtually unknown as a Western given name before the 1990s. It gained early traction through the surfing and outdoor communities in Australia and California. The 1991 film Point Break featured a surfing antagonist named Bodhi, introducing the name to mainstream American culture. Celebrity parents accelerated its rise — most notably actress Megan Fox, who named her son Bodhi Ransom Green in 2014. It has since become one of the fastest-rising spiritual/nature names in the US, Australia, and UK.
Bodhi represents the convergence of Buddhist spirituality, surf culture, and the broader Western interest in Eastern philosophy. In Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, bodhi is the highest spiritual achievement. As a Western name, it carries associations with mindfulness, freedom, nature, and spiritual seeking. It has become emblematic of a generation of parents interested in holistic, meaningful naming rather than traditional Western names.
Historical Record
Bodhi first appeared in US Social Security records in 1976.
Over 12,980 babies have been named Bodhi in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Bodhi is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #303 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, under which Buddha attained enlightenment, is still alive and venerated today
- The 1991 film Point Break made the name Bodhi recognizable to Western audiences decades before it became a baby name trend
- Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green naming their son Bodhi Ransom in 2014 significantly boosted the name's popularity
- In Buddhist scriptures, achieving 'bodhi' is the ultimate goal — complete awakening from ignorance and suffering
- The name Bodhi is among the top 200 names in Australia, where it has particularly strong cultural resonance in beach communities
Bodhi in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #303
- Total SSA Count
- 1,110
- Cultural Origins
- American Australian Indian Buddhist English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Bodhi
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Bodhi is also used as a girl name, ranked #4016.
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View all →Hebrew origin
"descended from James, meaning supplanter"
#118 in US
Old English origin
"cheerful settlement"
#195 in US
Hebrew via Scandinavian origin
"son of God's grace"
#328 in US
Frisian/Dutch origin
"bowman, archer"
#358 in US
Irish Gaelic origin
"lover of churches"
#364 in US
Arabic origin
"exalted, noble, high"
#324 in US
Old French origin
"dispenser of provisions, household st..."
#388 in US
Middle English origin
"colt herder, horse keeper"
#218 in US
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bodhi
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About the Name Bodhi
Bodhi is a boy name with American, Australian, Indian, Buddhist, and English origins .
Is Bodhi a boy or girl name? Bodhi is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #303 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #4,016. Bodhi is more commonly used as a boy name.
Bodhi is currently ranked #303 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Bodhi has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Bodhi include Bo, Bode, and Body. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis