Tulsi

♀ Girl

Pronounced TOOL-see /ˈtul.si/High

Meaning: From Sanskrit tulasi, the sacred holy basil plant, revered as a goddess in HinduismHigh

In 30 seconds: The sacred plant, in a name: Tulsi is holy basil — worshipped as a goddess and grown in countless Indian homes. Pure, devout, and grounding.

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Origin HighSanskrit

MeaningFrom Sanskrit tulasi, the sacred holy basil plant, revered as a goddess in Hinduism

U.S. rank (2025)#4162 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births35 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 600

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

Tulsi comes from Sanskrit tulasi, the holy basil plant, venerated in Hinduism as a manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi. A name of purity and devotion, it's a beloved classic across India.

In the U.S. it appears in Indian families. Rare, sacred-basil at the root, and devout.

Did you know? Tulsi (holy basil) is so revered in Hinduism that it's honored as a goddess and tended in home courtyards — the name carries deep sacred meaning.

Overall data confidence 85%

Sanskrit references — tulasi — etymology

Variations

TulasiTulsie

Nicknames

Tuli

Famous Bearers

★Tulsi Gabbard (1981-)
American politician who served as U.S. Representative from Hawaii and 2020 presidential candidate
★Tulsi Kumar (1984-)
Indian playback singer known for Hindi film songs

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Tulsi mean?

Tulsi is Sanskrit for 'holy basil', a sacred plant revered in Hinduism.

How do you pronounce Tulsi?

It's said TOOL-see /ˈtul.si/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Tulsi a boy or girl name?

Tulsi is a girl's name.

How popular is Tulsi?

Tulsi is a rare name in the U.S.