Pratham is a unisex given name of Sanskrit origin, which means "first" or "beginning". It is often used as both a boy's and girl's name in India, where it holds significant cultural relevance. Pronounced /prəˈtɑːm/, the name consists of three syllables, with stress typically falling on the second syllable ('ta'). Pratham gained popularity due to its association with educational initiatives such as the Pratham Education Foundation, which aims to provide quality education to underprivileged children in India. However, it is not merely a namesake for this cause; the name itself signifies importance and initiation, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for meaningful names for their children.
The name Pratham experienced a significant increase in popularity between 2002 and 2005, with the number of births almost tripling from 6 to 39 within that period. However, since 2017, there has been a steady decline in the usage of this name, with only 7 births recorded in 2020 and 14 in 2022, indicating a decrease in its popularity over time.