- Origin: Sanskrit
- Kannada: ಪದ್ಮಾ (Kanada)
- Sanskrit, Hindi: पद्म, पद्मा
- Tamil: பத்மா
- Telugu: పద్మా
- Tibetan: པདྨ
- Gender: Unisex
- Meaning: “lotus.”
- (PUD-mah); (pəd̪.mə/)
The name Padma (पद्म) is derived from Sanskrit, meaning “lotus.” In South Asian tradition, the lotus is one of the most sacred flowers, symbolizing purity, beauty, spiritual awakening, and transcendence — a blossom that rises pristine from muddy waters.
Religious & Mythological Significance
Lakshmi: In Hindu texts, Padma is used as a by-name of the goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. She is often depicted standing or seated upon a lotus, holding lotus flowers in her hands.
Vishnu: The lotus is also associated with Vishnu, Lakshmi’s consort, and the cosmic lotus from which the universe springs.
Attributes: The padma is one of the four attributes (ayudhas) often shown in iconography of deities — symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and divine perfection.
Buddhism & Jainism: The lotus also holds deep meaning in Buddhist and Jain traditions, where it represents spiritual liberation and the blossoming of wisdom.
The name is technically unisex but more commonly bestowed on females. A notable bearer is American author, Padma Lakshmi (b. 1970).
It is also the name of a major river in Bangladesh and in the Harry Potter series, Padma Patil is the twin of Parvati Patil.
International Variations
- Padmé (f) – a pop-culture invention from the Star Wars franchise, which is based on the Sanskrit name.
- Badma Бадма (u) (Buryat, Kalmyk)
- Pema པད་མ (u) (Bhutanese)
- Padmi (f), Padmo (m) (Javanese)
- Bhotum បទុម (u) (Khmer)
- Badmaa Бадмаа (f) (Mongolian)
- Badam Бадам (u) (Mongolian)
- Padam पद्म (u) (Nepali)
- Patthama ปัทมา (Thai) (f)
Sources
- https://sanskritdictionary.com/?q=padma%22&lang=sans&iencoding=iast&action=Search
- https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/padma
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padma_(given_name)
- https://www.behindthename.com/name/padma
- https://www.starwarsnewsnet.com/2014/12/whats-in-a-name-decoding-the-symbolism-behind-star-wars-names.html
