The Baby Name Wizard

Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Padma!

Comments and insights on the name Padma: | Edit

Share what you know!

Personal experiences with the name Padma: | Edit

Share what you know!

Nicknames for Padma: | Edit

Share what you know!

Meanings and history of the name Padma: | Edit

Padma means "lotus" in Sanskrit. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus is a symbol of purity and transcendence, its beautiful blossoms floating above the muddy water in which it roots and its unfolding petals representing the soul's expansion. In East Asian religious iconography, lotuses are often depicted as divine thrones (they are especially associated with the Hindu deities Vishnu and Lakshmi), and more generally they represent grace, elegance and feminine beauty. (Various parts of the plant are edible and are staple ingredients in some south and east Asian cuisines.) Because of the deep devotional and cultural significance of the lotus, Padma and related names are common throughout India.

Famous real-life people named Padma: | Edit

Padma Lakshmi, from "Top Chef"

Padma in song, story & screen: | Edit

Padma Patil is a housemate of Harry's (and his date to the Tri-Wizard Tournament ball) in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books. (She has a twin sister Parvati.)