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Bohdi

Boy Name #1,938 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Sanskrit for awakening — a name of Buddhist enlightenment

American Buddhist Indian Australian
Spiritual Modern Unique Earthy Whimsical

Meaning & Origin

"enlightenment, awakening"
Origin: Sanskrit
Language: English
"perfect knowledge, complete wisdom"
Origin: Pali
Language: Pali

The Story of Bohdi

Bohdi is a variant spelling of Bodhi, from the Sanskrit 'bodhi' (बोधि) meaning 'enlightenment' or 'awakening' — specifically the complete insight into the nature of existence that frees a being from the cycle of rebirth. In Buddhist tradition, the moment the Buddha attained bodhi under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India (approximately 528 BCE), transformed the spiritual world. The name entered Western usage through interest in Eastern philosophy and was popularized by the surfer-philosopher character Bodhi in the 1991 film Point Break.

Bodhi/Bohdi surged in American popularity in the 2010s, boosted by high-profile celebrity choices including Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green naming their son Bodhi Ransom Green in 2014. It sits at the intersection of wellness culture, surf culture, and the spiritual-but-not-religious sensibility popular among modern parents.

In Buddhism, bodhi is among the most sacred concepts — complete liberation from suffering and the endless cycle of death and rebirth. The Bodhi tree under which the Buddha meditated for 49 days until achieving enlightenment is one of the most venerated sites in Buddhism. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who delay their own final liberation to help others achieve bodhi.

Fun Facts

  • The Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, is a direct descendant of the tree under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment 2,500 years ago
  • Bodhi appeared on US baby name charts after Patrick Swayze played the spiritual surfer Bodhi in the 1991 film Point Break
  • A 'Bodhisattva' is one who has achieved enlightenment but voluntarily remains in the world to help liberate all beings

Bohdi in Other Languages

Pali bodhi
Chinese 菩提 (Pútí)
Tibetan བྱང་ཆུབ
Japanese 菩提 (bodai)
Sanskrit बोधि

Famous People Named Bohdi

B

Bodhi Ransom Green

Other

2014

Son of actress Megan Fox and actor Brian Austin Green, whose celebrity birth helped spike the name's popularity

B

Bodhi (Point Break) Fictional

Actor

Patrick Swayze's iconic surfer-bank robber character in the 1991 film Point Break, a philosophical thrill-seeker named f...

Patrick Swayze's iconic surfer-bank robber character in the 1991 film Point Break, a philosophical thrill-seeker named for Buddhist enlightenment

Quick Facts

Gender
Boy
Syllables
2
Popularity Rank
#1,938
Total SSA Count
81
Cultural Origins
American Buddhist Indian Australian
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Bo Bod

Pairs Well With

Bohdi James Bohdi Lee Bohdi River Bohdi Sage Bohdi Grey Bohdi Oak Bohdi Stone

Sibling Names

Also a Girl Name

Bohdi is also used as a girl name, ranked #17820.

View Bohdi as a girl name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bohdi

What does the name Bohdi mean?
"enlightenment, awakening" (from Sanskrit). "perfect knowledge, complete wisdom" (from Pali). Bohdi is a variant spelling of Bodhi, from the Sanskrit 'bodhi' (बोधि) meaning 'enlightenment' or 'awakening' — specifically the complete insight into the nature of existence that frees a being from the cycle of rebirth. In Buddhist tradition, the moment the Buddha attained bodhi under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India (approximately 528 BCE), transformed the spiritual world. The name entered Western usage through interest in Eastern philosophy and was popularized by the surfer-philosopher character Bodhi in the 1991 film Point Break.
What is the origin of the name Bohdi?
Bohdi has Sanskrit, Pali, American, Buddhist, Indian, and Australian origins. In Sanskrit, it means "enlightenment, awakening". In Pali, it means "perfect knowledge, complete wisdom".
Is Bohdi a boy or girl name?
Bohdi is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1938. As a girl name, it is ranked #17820. Bohdi is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Bohdi?
Bohdi is currently ranked #1938 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Bohdi?
Common nicknames for Bohdi include Bo and Bod.
What are good middle names for Bohdi?
Popular middle name pairings include Bohdi James, Bohdi Lee, Bohdi River, Bohdi Sage, Bohdi Grey, Bohdi Oak, and Bohdi Stone.
What are good sibling names for Bohdi?
Names that pair well with Bohdi as siblings include Zen, Karma, Luna, Sage, Wilder, and Asher.
How many syllables does Bohdi have?
Bohdi has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Bohdi a common or rare name?
Bohdi is an uncommon name, ranked #1938 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Bohdi

Bohdi is a boy name with American, Buddhist, Indian, and Australian origins . The name means "enlightenment, awakening" in Sanskrit .

Is Bohdi a boy or girl name? Bohdi is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,938 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #17,820. Bohdi is more commonly used as a boy name.

Bohdi is currently ranked #1,938 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Bohdi has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Bohdi include Bo and Bod. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Bohdi include Bohdan . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

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