Pallavi
Meaningnew leaves · Sanskrit
Pallavi is an Indian girl name meaning “new leaves”, 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: Pallavi has the name Avi hiding inside it.
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Pallavi would score 12 points, thanks largely to the V (worth 4).
- GenerationPallavi peaked in 1998, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Pallavi you'd meet today is about 27 years old.
- HistoryPallavi first shows up in US birth records in 1978, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 47 years since.
US births per million girls, 1978–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Pallavi
Pallavi is a girl name of Indian origin meaning “new leaves”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It hit its peak in the 1990s, 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 Pallavi
What does the name Pallavi mean?
Pallavi means “new leaves” and comes from Sanskrit. Other girl names with a similar meaning include Aoba (“green leaves”), Momiji (“autumn maple leaves”) and Wakaba (“young leaves”).
What is the origin of the name Pallavi?
Pallavi 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 Pallavi a boy or girl name?
Pallavi is a girl name.
How popular is the name Pallavi?
Pallavi is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2017. It peaked at #4,492 in 1998, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Pallavi?
If you like Pallavi, you might also like Aoba, Momiji and Wakaba.
What should I know before naming my baby Pallavi?
Pallavi is an Indian girl name meaning “new leaves”, 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.