Panda

♀ Girl

Pronounced PAN-duh /ˈpæn.də/Medium

Meaning: Panda is the animal word used as a given name, chosen for the gentle, much-loved image of the panda bear. The word 'panda' itself is of uncertain origin, most often traced to a Nepali or Himalayan source that first named the red panda before the name passed to the giant panda. As a name it works affectionately, sometimes as a nickname that became a given name.Low

In 30 seconds: Panda is the animal word used as a warm given name, for the beloved bear. The word likely comes from a Nepali source. It appears in US records around 1964 (said PAN-duh).

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningPanda is the animal word used as a given name, chosen for the gentle, much-loved image of the panda bear. The word 'panda' itself is of uncertain origin, most often traced to a Nepali or Himalayan source that first named the red panda before the name passed to the giant panda. As a name it works affectionately, sometimes as a nickname that became a given name.

U.S. rank (1986)#10489 ↘ Falling

1986 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1964

Total births (all-time)≈ 88

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

Panda is an animal word name, given for the affectionate, universally liked image of the panda bear. The word's own history is uncertain, usually traced to a Nepali or Himalayan term that first described the red panda. As a given name Panda is rare and warmly informal, sometimes beginning as a family nickname before being recorded as a name.

It was never common, given to only about fifteen girls a year even at its peak around 1964, and it stayed a rarity. A girl named Panda then is in her sixties today.

Did you know? The word 'panda' is thought to come from a Himalayan or Nepali source and first named the red panda, only later attaching to the giant panda most people picture today.

Overall data confidence 30%

References - Panda — Word name from 'panda' (the bear); word origin uncertain, likely Nepali; handled respectfully, no mockery.

Variations

PandahPandyPanida

Nicknames

PanPandy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Panda…

Pandora— a like Pan- name in sound

Wanda— a comparable -anda name of the era

Amanda— another warm -anda name

Pearl— a like nature-and-object name in spirit

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Panda mean?

It is the word 'panda,' the bear, used as an affectionate given name; the word itself is of uncertain origin, likely Nepali.

How do you pronounce Panda?

It is said PAN-duh /ˈpæn.də/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Panda a boy or girl name?

Panda is used here as a girl's name.

How popular is Panda?

It was always rare in the United States, given to only about fifteen girls a year even at its peak in the nineteen-sixties.