"the incomparable one"
Origin: Sanskrit
Language: Sanskrit
Tulsi
Does Tulsi flow with your last name?
A sacred Sanskrit name meaning holy basil -- beloved by Lakshmi
Indian
Hindu
Nepali
Spiritual
Earthy
Elegant
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"holy basil plant"
Origin: Sanskrit
Language: Hindi
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Things to Know About This Name
- Tulsi Gabbard, controversial American politician, may create associations
The Story of Tulsi
Tulsi comes from the Sanskrit word for holy basil -- the sacred plant Ocimum tenuiflorum. In Hinduism, Tulsi is one of the most revered plants, considered an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi and grown in almost every Hindu home as a symbol of divine grace and protection. The name carries the meaning of the incomparable one, reflecting the plant's sacred status.
Tulsi is a traditional name across India and Nepal, used for generations in Hindu families who honor the sacred basil plant. In the Western world, the name gained some recognition through Tulsi Gabbard, the American politician and military veteran, though this association is somewhat polarizing.
In Hindu tradition, the Tulsi plant is worshipped daily and is considered a portal to Vishnu/Krishna. Homes typically keep a Tulsi plant in a central courtyard or altar space. Naming a daughter Tulsi is an act of devotion -- invoking the goddess's blessing and purity upon the child.
Historical Record
Tulsi first appeared in US Social Security records in 1987.
Over 565 babies have been named Tulsi in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Tulsi is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #4,055 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Tulsi plant is worshipped in over 80% of Hindu households
- In Ayurvedic medicine, Tulsi (holy basil) is known as the queen of herbs for its healing properties
Tulsi in Other Languages
Hindi
Tulsi
Tamil
Tulasi
Nepali
Tulasi
Japanese
Tulsi
Sanskrit
Tulasi
Popularity Over Time
#4,055
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Tulsi
T
Tulsi Gabbard
Politician
1981
American politician, military officer, and former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii
T
Tulsi
Other
The sacred holy basil plant personified as a goddess in Hindu mythology, considered an avatar of Lakshmi
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Compare Tulsi with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,055
- Total SSA Count
- 36
- Cultural Origins
- Indian Hindu Nepali
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Tul
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Middle Names
Middle Names for Tulsi
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tulsi
What does the name Tulsi mean?
"the incomparable one" (from Sanskrit). "holy basil plant" (from Sanskrit). Tulsi comes from the Sanskrit word for holy basil -- the sacred plant Ocimum tenuiflorum. In Hinduism, Tulsi is one of the most revered plants, considered an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi and grown in almost every Hindu home as a symbol of divine grace and protection. The name carries the meaning of the incomparable one, reflecting the plant's sacred status.
What is the origin of the name Tulsi?
Tulsi has Sanskrit, Indian, Hindu, and Nepali origins. In Sanskrit, it means "the incomparable one". In Sanskrit, it means "holy basil plant".
Is Tulsi a boy or girl name?
Tulsi is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Tulsi?
Tulsi is currently ranked #4055 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Tulsi?
Common nicknames for Tulsi include Tul.
What are good middle names for Tulsi?
Popular middle name pairings include Tulsi Devi, Tulsi Priya, Tulsi Ananya, Tulsi Grace, Tulsi Rose, and Tulsi Meera.
What are good sibling names for Tulsi?
Names that pair well with Tulsi as siblings include Meena, Priya, Arjun, Veda, Krishna, and Ananya.
How many syllables does Tulsi have?
Tulsi has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Tulsi a common or rare name?
Tulsi is an uncommon name, ranked #4055 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Tulsi
Tulsi is a girl name with Indian, Hindu, and Nepali origins . The name means "the incomparable one" in Sanskrit .
Tulsi is currently ranked #4,055 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Tulsi has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Tulsi include Tul. 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