Gauri is a feminine given name of Indian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "gauri," which means "white" or "shining." In Hindu mythology, Gauri is another name for the goddess Parvati, who is known as the consort of Lord Shiva and the mother of the god Kartikeya.
The name Gauri has a significant history in India. It was given to Princess Gauri (also known as Indumati), who was a historical figure from the ancient Hindu kingdom of Mithila. According to legend, she married King Nala after he won her hand in a competition, but their marriage faced numerous challenges due to the curse of a sage. Their story is told in the epic Indian poem, the "Nala Damayanti."
In India today, Gauri remains a popular name for girls, often chosen by parents who wish to bestow upon their daughters the qualities associated with the goddess Parvati, such as purity, beauty, and divine wisdom. The name has also gained recognition internationally in recent years due to its unique sound and cultural significance.
Overall, Gauri is an elegant and meaningful name with a rich history that spans centuries of Indian culture and mythology. Its association with the color white and the goddess Parvati makes it a symbol of grace, light, and divine femininity.
The name Gauri has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was quite rare, with only 6 to 8 births per year between 1979 and 1989.
However, starting from the mid-1990s, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Gauri. The birth numbers jumped from 5 in 1994 to 13 in 1999, reaching an all-time high of 41 births in 2005.
This trend continued into the early 2000s, with over 20 births per year between 2001 and 2007. Despite a slight dip in popularity during the late 2000s and early 2010s, the name Gauri has remained relatively consistent, with around 15 to 20 births per year from 2011 onwards.
As of 2023, the total number of babies named Gauri in the United States since 1979 stands at 557. This indicates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, Gauri has certainly left its mark on American naming trends over the past few decades.