Hamsa

♂ Boy

Pronounced HAHM-suh /ˈhɑmsə/Low

Meaning: Hamsa has two honest routes. In Arabic and wider Middle Eastern usage it names the hamsa, the protective hand-shaped symbol, from a root tied to the number five. In Sanskrit, hamsa means 'swan or goose,' a sacred bird symbolizing the soul and pure discernment in Hindu thought. Both are treated respectfully.Low

In 30 seconds: Hamsa carries two routes: the Arabic protective 'hand' and the Sanskrit 'swan,' a sacred bird. Rare in the U.S., it peaked around 2005 (said HAHM-suh).

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Origin LowArabic, Sanskrit

MeaningHamsa has two honest routes. In Arabic and wider Middle Eastern usage it names the hamsa, the protective hand-shaped symbol, from a root tied to the number five. In Sanskrit, hamsa means 'swan or goose,' a sacred bird symbolizing the soul and pure discernment in Hindu thought. Both are treated respectfully.

U.S. rank (2018)#11273 ↘ Falling

2018 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2005

Total births (all-time)≈ 169

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Hamsa can be traced two ways, and we note both. In Arabic and Middle Eastern culture the hamsa is the protective open-hand symbol, linked to the root for 'five.' In Sanskrit, hamsa means 'swan or goose,' a bird revered in Hindu tradition as an emblem of the soul and of wisdom. As a rare American given name it may reflect either heritage.

It has always been rare in the United States, given to only about sixteen a year at its peak around 2005. A child named Hamsa then is a young adult today.

Did you know? In Sanskrit the hamsa, or swan, is a sacred symbol of the soul and pure discernment, while in Arabic the hamsa hand is a widely loved emblem of protection, so the name carries meaning in two great traditions.

Overall data confidence 40%

References - Hamsa — Arabic hamsa 'protective hand' / Sanskrit hamsa 'swan'; both routes noted respectfully

Variations

HamzaHansaHamsah

Nicknames

HamSa

Famous Bearers

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Hamsa mean?

It has two honest routes: the Arabic hamsa, a protective 'hand,' and the Sanskrit hamsa, 'swan,' a sacred bird.

How do you pronounce Hamsa?

It is said HAHM-suh /ˈhɑmsə/, two syllables with the stress on the first.

Is Hamsa a boy or girl name?

Hamsa is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Hamsa?

It has always been rare in the United States, given to only about sixteen a year at its peak in the mid two-thousands.