"enlightenment, awakening"
Bohdi
Sanskrit for awakening — a name of Buddhist enlightenment
Meaning & Origin
"perfect knowledge, complete wisdom"
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
Famous People Named Bohdi
Bodhi Ransom Green
Other
2014
Son of actress Megan Fox and actor Brian Austin Green, whose celebrity birth helped spike the name's popularity
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
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Bohdi is also used as a girl name, ranked #17820.
View Bohdi as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Bohdi and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Bohdi sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Bohdi
What does the name Bohdi mean?
What is the origin of the name Bohdi?
Is Bohdi a boy or girl name?
How popular is the name Bohdi?
What are common nicknames for Bohdi?
What are good middle names for Bohdi?
What are good sibling names for Bohdi?
How many syllables does Bohdi have?
Is Bohdi a common or rare name?
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.