Ankur is a name of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Punjab. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "ankur", which means "seed" or "bud". In Hindu mythology, Ankur is often associated with the lotus flower, as the lotus seed is considered pure and divine despite growing in muddy waters.
The name Ankur has a significant historical context in India. According to folklore, King Janaka named his daughter Sita "Ankusha" after she was found as a baby along with a lotus seed in a furrow of a plowed field. The king interpreted this as a divine sign and gave her the name Ankusha, which later evolved into Ankur.
In the Hindu epic Ramayana, Ankusha is also the name of a magical elephant goad used by King Ravana to control his elephants. However, despite this association with a negative character in the epic, the name Ankur has predominantly positive connotations due to its connection with Sita and the lotus flower.
Today, Ankur is still a popular name in India and among Indian communities worldwide. It is often given to children in the hope that they will grow into strong, pure, and divine individuals like the lotus seed from which the name originates.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Ankur has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest year recorded is 1974 with 7 births, indicating a modest start for the name's usage.
The peak popularity of the name Ankur occurred between 1979 and 1982, with a high of 40 births in 1981. This period saw a significant increase in the number of babies named Ankur compared to the earlier years. However, this peak was short-lived, as the number of births started to decline afterwards.
From 1983 onwards, the popularity of the name Ankur gradually decreased, with fluctuations in the number of births each year. The lowest point recorded was in 2004 and 2007, with only 5 births each year. Even with this decrease in popularity, the name Ankur has managed to maintain some level of presence throughout the years.
Overall, from 1974 to 2016, there were a total of 668 babies named Ankur in the United States. This shows that while the name may not have been exceptionally popular every year, it has consistently appeared among newborns for nearly five decades, indicating some level of enduring appeal.