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Sonam
Pronounced SOH-num /ˈsoʊ.nʌm/Medium
Meaning: From the Tibetan sonam (bsod-nams), 'merit; good fortune; the fruit of virtuous deeds' — a Buddhist concept of accumulated good karma. Unisex in Tibetan use; here for a girl.Medium
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
Sonam comes from the Tibetan for 'merit; good fortune,' the reward of virtuous deeds in Buddhist thought. It is unisex in Tibet; used here for a girl, which we note — rare in the U.S. (said 'SOH-num').
It appears rarely, mostly in Tibetan and Himalayan families. Rare, fortunate, and warm.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Sonam mean?
Sonam is Tibetan for 'merit; good fortune; the fruit of virtuous deeds.'
How do you pronounce Sonam?
It's said SOH-num /ˈsoʊ.nʌm/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Sonam a boy or girl name?
Sonam is unisex in Tibetan use; used here for a girl, which we note.
How popular is Sonam?
Sonam is a rare name in the U.S.