Kalpana
Meaningimagination · Sanskrit
Kalpana is an Indian girl name meaning “imagination”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Kalpana has the name Ana hiding inside it.
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Kalpana would score 13 points, thanks largely to the K (worth 5).
- GenerationKalpana peaked in 1966, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Kalpana you'd meet today is about 59 years old.
- HistoryKalpana first shows up in US birth records in 1966, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 59 years since.
US births per million girls, 1966–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Kalpana
Kalpana is a girl name of Indian origin meaning “imagination”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It hit its peak in the 1960s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Indian names
More Indian girl names
- Girl name: Maya · illusion
- Girl name: Lyla · night
- Unisex name: Arya · noble
- Girl name: Kali · black
- Girl name: Serena · calm, serene
- Girl name: Mira · wonderful
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Unisex name: Veda · knowledge
Questions about the name Kalpana
What does the name Kalpana mean?
Kalpana means “imagination” and comes from Sanskrit.
What is the origin of the name Kalpana?
Kalpana is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Maya (“illusion”), Lyla (“night”), Arya (“noble”) and Kali (“black”).
Is Kalpana a boy or girl name?
Kalpana is a girl name.
How popular is the name Kalpana?
Kalpana is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1974. It peaked at #5,273 in 1966, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Kalpana?
Kalpana is an Indian girl name meaning “imagination”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.