UK girl's name
Reshma
A feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "long dark eyelashes".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2013. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Reshma is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Reshma popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2013 in this profile. In that release it ranked #3536, with 6 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 1997, with 12 births.
This profile covers 102 England and Wales registrations across 16 recorded years from 1996 to 2013. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 50% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 101 living people in the UK are called Reshma. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2014 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Reshma ranked #3536 for girls in England and Wales in 2013, with 6 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 1997, when 12 girls were registered as Reshma.
- • About 101 living people in the UK are estimated to have Reshma as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#3536
2013
Births in 2013
6
Latest year
Peak year
1997
12 births
Estimated living
101
2026
Meaning
What does Reshma mean?
The name Reshma finds its origins in the Sanskrit language, with its roots stretching back to ancient India. It is derived from the word "Rashmika," which translates to "a ray of light" or "beam of light." This poetic name carries a symbolic meaning associated with brightness, warmth, and radiance.
In Hindu mythology, the name Reshma is closely linked to the goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of beauty, prosperity, and fortune. Lakshmi is often depicted holding lotus flowers, which are associated with purity and enlightenment. This connection suggests that the name Reshma may have been bestowed upon individuals with the hope of bringing them divine blessings and auspiciousness.
The earliest recorded instances of the name Reshma can be traced back to ancient Sanskrit texts and inscriptions from the 5th century BCE. It was a popular name among the royal and aristocratic families of ancient India, particularly in regions such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Reshma. One of the most famous was Reshma Shrestha (1976-2008), a Nepalese singer and songwriter renowned for her contributions to the Nepali music industry. Her melodious voice and soulful compositions garnered her widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan following.
Another prominent figure was Reshma Dordi (1932-2012), an Indian classical vocalist and Padma Shri awardee, who was celebrated for her mastery of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. Her performances and teachings left an indelible mark on the world of Hindustani classical music.
In the realm of literature, Reshma Kripalani (1916-2003) was an Indian author and activist who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Her memoirs and works shed light on the struggles and triumphs of the era, making her a influential voice in India's literary landscape.
Reshma Shetty (born 1977) is a renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer, known for her contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Kuchipudi dance form. Her performances have been acclaimed globally, and she has received numerous accolades for her artistic excellence.
Reshma Qureshi (born 1957) is an acclaimed Pakistani artist and activist, recognized for her advocacy work for acid attack survivors. Her efforts have raised awareness and provided support to countless individuals, earning her international acclaim and numerous honors, including the Amnesty International Human Rights Defender Award.
The name Reshma has transcended cultures and borders, carrying with it a rich tapestry of history, symbolism, and artistic expression. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of its meaning and the remarkable individuals who have borne this name throughout the ages.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Reshma over time
The chart below shows babies named Reshma registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2013. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Reshma, the clearest high point is 1997. The latest England and Wales figure is 6 births in 2013, compared with 12 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Reshma by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Reshma was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | #5009 | 12 | 3 |
| 2000s | #2987 | 60 | 9 |
| 1990s | #2512 | 30 | 4 |
Related
Names similar to Reshma
- Ruby 60,551
- Rebecca 45,764
- Rosie 35,558
- Rachel 19,034
- Rose 18,043
- Robyn 14,556
- Rosa 6,236
- Rhiannon 6,180
- Rachael 4,702
- Rebekah 4,395
- Rhianna 4,177
- Ruth 4,118
FAQ
Reshma: questions and answers
How popular is the name Reshma in the UK right now?
In 2013, Reshma was ranked #3536 for girls in England and Wales, with 6 births registered.
When was Reshma most popular?
The peak year on record was 1997, with 12 babies registered as Reshma in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Reshma?
A feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "long dark eyelashes".
How many people are called Reshma in the UK?
A total of 102 babies have been registered as Reshma across the 16 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.