Girl name · Sanskrit
Asha
“hope, wish, desire”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Asha.
Explore Asha further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Asha — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Asha is Sanskrit asa, hope or wish, and it is worth separating from the identical-looking Avestan asha, which means truth or cosmic order and belongs to Zoroastrian rather than Hindu tradition. The Swahili Asha is a third name again, from Arabic Aisha, meaning alive.
The Indian singer Asha Bhosle has one of the largest recorded catalogues of any performer alive, which anchors the name firmly. It is common across India and East Africa and sits outside the US top 1000.
Ash is the short form, shared with Ashley and Asher. Two syllables want two or three (Asha Meera, Asha Priya). On our vibe map it is Boho with Soft & Dreamy warmth.
More Sanskrit names
Asha sits in our Sanskrit set — these share its roots.
All Sanskrit names →Asha — common questions
Is Asha a boy or girl name?
Asha is traditionally a girl name of Sanskrit origin.
What does the name Asha mean?
Asha means “hope, wish, desire” of Sanskrit origin. Asha is Sanskrit asa, hope or wish, and it is worth separating from the identical-looking Avestan asha, which means truth or cosmic order and belongs to Zoroastrian rather than Hindu tradition. The Swahili Asha is a third name again, from Arabic Aisha, meaning alive.
Where does the name Asha come from?
Asha is Sanskrit in origin. The Indian singer Asha Bhosle has one of the largest recorded catalogues of any performer alive, which anchors the name firmly. It is common across India and East Africa and sits outside the US top 1000.
What are common nicknames for Asha?
Ash and Ashi — the short-forms parents most often use for Asha.
How popular is Asha?
Asha did not make the top 1,000 girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Asha you might want for the nursery.