Suma is a name of Sanskrit origin, derived from the word "sūma," which means "fragrant" or "having a pleasant smell." It is often associated with the lotus flower, which is considered sacred in Hinduism and is known for its fragrance.
The name Suma has been popular among Indians for centuries, particularly in Hindu families. In ancient Indian literature, such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, there are several characters named Suma. One notable example is Sumbha, a demon who was slain by the goddess Durga.
In recent times, Suma has also gained popularity outside of India, especially among people of South Asian descent living abroad. It is considered a unisex name, although it is more commonly used for girls.
Despite its origins and history, the name Suma does not have any specific cultural festivals or traditions associated with it. Rather, it is simply a beautiful name that signifies fragrance and positivity.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Suma has been given to a total of 53 babies born in the United States over the years from 1977 to 2002. The number of births with this name has varied each year, ranging from a low of 5 to a high of 7 births per year during these decades.
It's interesting to note that the peak years for the name Suma were in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with seven babies named Suma born in both 1977 and 1978. However, after a gap of eight years, there was another notable increase in the usage of this name, with six babies named Suma born in both 1999 and 2002.
Despite these fluctuations, it's clear that the name Suma has maintained some level of popularity throughout these years, as evidenced by the consistent number of births each year. However, compared to other more popular names during this time period, the prevalence of the name Suma remains relatively low. Nonetheless, for those who choose this name for their child, it's likely that they appreciate its uniqueness and perhaps wish to honor a personal connection or meaning associated with it.
In conclusion, while the number of babies named Suma in the United States has varied over the years from 1977 to 2002, this name has nevertheless maintained some level of popularity during this time period.