Shraddha comes from Sanskrit and means faith, devotion, or श्रद्धा, a term for deep trust and reverence.
Shraddha (श्रद्धा) is a Sanskrit name of profound philosophical significance, translating most closely as "faith," "reverence," "devotion," or "sincere trust." The root śrad combines with the verb dhā (to place) to convey the act of placing one's heart in something — a deeply active, committed form of belief rather than passive acceptance. In Hindu philosophy, shraddha is considered one of the foundational virtues, a prerequisite for genuine spiritual knowledge; the Bhagavad Gita discusses it extensively as the disposition that determines the character of one's worship and practice.
The name also connects to an important Hindu ritual: Shraddha (or Shradh) ceremonies are performed to honor and nourish the souls of deceased ancestors, typically during the Pitru Paksha fortnight. This ritual dimension adds a sense of intergenerational reverence to the name — a daughter named Shraddha carries within her name the idea of honoring those who came before. The name appears in classical Sanskrit literature and has been borne by goddesses and sages in various Puranic texts.
In contemporary India, Shraddha is a popular given name for girls across multiple regions and communities. It gained significant cultural visibility through Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor, whose high profile has made the name recognizable to younger generations globally. For Indian diaspora families, Shraddha offers a name that is unmistakably rooted in Sanskrit heritage while remaining melodic and accessible — its three syllables flow naturally in both Hindi and English conversation, and its meaning resonates as an aspiration for a child's character.