Tika

♀ Girl

How to Pronounce Tika

Pronounced TEE-kuh /ˈtiː.kə/Medium

Meaning: Tika has more than one possible route. In South Asian use it echoes the Sanskrit word tika (also tilaka), the auspicious mark worn on the forehead; in American use it reads as a short, bright coinage or a clipped form of longer names such as Latika or Kritika. Which route applies to a given girl is uncertain, so we note both honestly.Low

In 30 seconds: Tika is a short two-beat name matching the Sanskrit tika, the auspicious forehead mark, and doubling as a Western short form or coinage (said TEE-kuh).

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Origin LowSanskrit, American

MeaningTika has more than one possible route. In South Asian use it echoes the Sanskrit word tika (also tilaka), the auspicious mark worn on the forehead; in American use it reads as a short, bright coinage or a clipped form of longer names such as Latika or Kritika. Which route applies to a given girl is uncertain, so we note both honestly.

U.S. rank (2001)#17769 ↘ Falling

2001 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1975

Total births (all-time)≈ 348

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

Tika is a compact name with more than one story. In Indian tradition it echoes the Sanskrit tika, the auspicious forehead mark linked to blessing and welcome; in the United States it also appears as a short, made name or a clipping of longer names like Latika. The routes are uncertain, which we note rather than force into one.

It was never common, given to only a couple dozen girls a year around the mid-1970s and rare throughout. A woman named Tika from then is now in her fifties.

Did you know? In South Asian tradition tika (or tilaka) is the sacred mark placed on the forehead, so the word carries a sense of blessing that its bright, simple sound belies.

Overall data confidence 35%

References - Tika — Sanskrit tika 'forehead mark' or Western short form; routes uncertain

Variations

TeekaTikkaLatika

Nicknames

TeeKiki

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Tika mean?

It matches the Sanskrit tika, the auspicious forehead mark, and also serves as a Western short form; the route is uncertain.

How do you pronounce Tika?

It's said TEE-kuh /ˈtiː.kə/, two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Tika a boy or girl name?

Tika is used as a girl's name.

Is Tika a popular name?

No, it has always been rare in the United States, a short name of uncertain route.