"enlightenment, awakening"
Origin: Sanskrit
Language: Sanskrit
Bodhi
Does Bodhi flow with your last name?
Sanskrit for awakening, peaceful and free
Buddhist
American
Australian
International
Spiritual
Earthy
Modern
Whimsical
Gentle
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Meaning & Origin
"perfect knowledge"
Origin: Pali
Language: Pali
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The Story of Bodhi
Bodhi comes from the Sanskrit word 'bodhi' (बोधि) meaning 'awakening' or 'enlightenment.' In Buddhism, bodhi refers to the transcendent wisdom attained by the Buddha under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India around 528 BCE. The Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa, or sacred fig) is considered one of the four holiest sites in Buddhism — the actual tree is said to be a direct descendant of the original, still growing in India today.
Bodhi entered Western consciousness through the 1991 surf film Point Break, where Patrick Swayze played the charismatic Bodhi (short for Bodhisattva). The name has since become a favorite among spiritually-minded parents and those embracing mindful, nature-connected lifestyles, climbing into the US Top 1000 for boys in 2011 and continuing to rise.
In Buddhism, bodhi represents the highest spiritual attainment — complete liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. A Bodhisattva is one who seeks bodhi for the benefit of all sentient beings, a concept central to Mahayana Buddhism practiced across East Asia.
Historical Record
Bodhi first appeared in US Social Security records in 2005.
Over 530 babies have been named Bodhi in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Bodhi is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,016 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, has been scientifically confirmed as a descendant of the tree under which Buddha meditated 2,500 years ago
- Bodhi entered the US Top 500 for boys in 2016 and is now increasingly used for girls too
Bodhi in Other Languages
Pali
Bodhi
Hindi
बोधि
Chinese
菩提
Tibetan
བྱང་ཆུབ
Japanese
菩提
Sanskrit
बोधि
Popularity Over Time
#4,016
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Bodhi with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,016
- Total SSA Count
- 37
- Cultural Origins
- Buddhist American Australian International
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Bo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American 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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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Bodhi
8 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Bodhi is also used as a boy name, ranked #303.
View Bodhi as a boy name →Similar Names
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Scottish Gaelic origin
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Latin Roman origin
"from the Aemilius family"
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Old English (cyning + leah) origin
"king's meadow, royal clearing"
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Latin origin
"rival, eager"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bodhi
What does the name Bodhi mean?
"enlightenment, awakening" (from Sanskrit). "perfect knowledge" (from Pali). Bodhi comes from the Sanskrit word 'bodhi' (बोधि) meaning 'awakening' or 'enlightenment.' In Buddhism, bodhi refers to the transcendent wisdom attained by the Buddha under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India around 528 BCE. The Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa, or sacred fig) is considered one of the four holiest sites in Buddhism — the actual tree is said to be a direct descendant of the original, still growing in India today.
What is the origin of the name Bodhi?
Bodhi has Sanskrit, Pali, Buddhist, American, Australian, and International origins. In Sanskrit, it means "enlightenment, awakening". In Pali, it means "perfect knowledge".
Is Bodhi a boy or girl name?
Bodhi is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4016. As a boy name, it is ranked #303. Bodhi is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Bodhi?
Bodhi is currently ranked #4016 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Bodhi?
Popular middle name pairings include Bodhi Rose, Bodhi Sage, Bodhi Lynn, Bodhi Grace, Bodhi Mae, Bodhi Jade, Bodhi Willow, and Bodhi Fern.
What are good sibling names for Bodhi?
Names that pair well with Bodhi as siblings include Kai, Zara, Luna, River, Sage, Rowan, Indigo, and Zen.
How many syllables does Bodhi have?
Bodhi has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Bodhi a common or rare name?
Bodhi is an uncommon name, ranked #4016 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Bodhi
Bodhi is a girl name with Buddhist, American, Australian, and International origins . The name means "enlightenment, awakening" in Sanskrit .
Is Bodhi a boy or girl name? Bodhi is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,016 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #303. Bodhi is more commonly used as a boy name.
Bodhi is currently ranked #4,016 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Bodhi has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Bodhi include Bo. 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)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis