Priyanka
Meaningdear one · Sanskrit
Priyanka is an Indian girl name meaning “dear one”, 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 a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Priyanka would score 17 points, thanks largely to the K (worth 5).
- GenerationPriyanka peaked in 1996, which makes it a Millennial name. The typical Priyanka you'd meet today is about 29 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Priyanka would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 270,270 baby girls got the name in 2025.
- HistoryPriyanka first shows up in US birth records in 1983, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 42 years since.
US births per million girls, 1983–2025
Similar names
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Priyanka
Priyanka is a girl name of Indian origin meaning “dear one”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, and plenty of room for a nickname, 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 Priyanka
What does the name Priyanka mean?
Priyanka means “dear one” and comes from Sanskrit. Other girl names with a similar meaning include Mila (“gracious, dear”), Milan (“gracious, dear”), Milana (“gracious, dear”) and Milena (“gracious, dear”).
What is the origin of the name Priyanka?
Priyanka 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 Priyanka a boy or girl name?
Priyanka is a girl name. In 2025, 6 US girls were named Priyanka.
How popular is the name Priyanka?
Priyanka ranked #13,208 for US girls in 2025, given to 6 babies. Its best year was 1996, when it reached #1,780. Over the last five years it has slipped 7,541 places.
What names are similar to Priyanka?
If you like Priyanka, you might also like Mila, Milan, Milana and Milena.
What should I know before naming my baby Priyanka?
Priyanka is an Indian girl name meaning “dear one”, 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 a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, 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.