Pema

♀ Girl

Pronounced PAY-mah /ˈpeɪ.mɑ/Medium

Meaning: From the Tibetan pema, 'a lotus flower' (a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhism); we note the sacred symbolLow

In 30 seconds: A lotus flower: Pema is Tibetan. Lyrical, classic, and warm (said 'PAY-mah'). We note the sacred symbol.

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Origin LowTibetan

MeaningFrom the Tibetan pema, 'a lotus flower' (a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhism); we note the sacred symbol

U.S. rank (2024)#10053 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births10 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2014

Total births (all-time)≈ 225

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

Pema comes from the Tibetan pema, 'a lotus flower' (a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhism; we note the sacred symbol). A lyrical, classic name (said 'PAY-mah').

In the U.S. it appears in Tibetan and Himalayan families. Rare, a-lotus at the root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Pema means 'a lotus flower' in Tibetan — a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhism — a lyrical, serene name (we note the sacred symbol; said 'PAY-mah').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Pema — Tibetan; sacred symbol

Variations

PadmaPemma

Nicknames

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If you like Pema…

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Gemma— shares the -ma ending

Sama— lands in the same popularity range

Karma— shares the -ma ending

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By themereligious tibetan

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Pema mean?

Pema is Tibetan for 'a lotus flower' (a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhism). We note the sacred symbol.

How do you pronounce Pema?

It's said PAY-mah /ˈpeɪ.mɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Pema a boy or girl name?

Pema is used for both sexes; here it is a girl's name.

How popular is Pema?

Pema is a very rare name in the U.S.