The name Surya is of Sanskrit origin and means "sun" in English. It is a popular given name in India, particularly among Hindu families. In Hindu mythology, Surya is the solar deity, often depicted riding a chariot driven by seven horses, representing the days of the week. The name Surya is believed to bring prosperity, wisdom, and good fortune to those who bear it. Historically, Surya has been used as both a male and female given name in India, although it is more commonly associated with males today. Despite its popularity in India, the name Surya has gained international recognition in recent years and is now used around the world.
The name Surya has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. The first notable spike in births with this name occurred in 1998, with a total of 14 births that year. This number continued to grow steadily until reaching its peak in 2009 with 68 births, marking an impressive increase from the previous years.
Interestingly, after this peak, the number of newborns named Surya began to fluctuate somewhat, but it remained consistently between 40 and 50 births per year until 2017. Since then, there has been another notable increase, with 55 births in 2021 and 45 births in 2022. This recent upward trend suggests that the name Surya is continuing to gain popularity among parents in the United States.
In total, from 1977 to 2023, there have been 1,119 babies named Surya born in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent presence and continues to be chosen by parents for their children.