UK girl's name
Ritu
A feminine Hindu name meaning "season" or "period of time".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2000. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Ritu is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Ritu popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2000 in this profile. In that release it ranked #3912, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2000, with 3 births.
This profile covers 3 England and Wales registrations across 1 recorded years from 2000 to 2000. 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.
Ritu is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.
We estimate that about 3 living people in the UK are called Ritu. 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 2001 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Ritu ranked #3912 for girls in England and Wales in 2000, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2000, when 3 girls were registered as Ritu.
- • About 3 living people in the UK are estimated to have Ritu as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#3912
2000
Births in 2000
3
Latest year
Peak year
2000
3 births
Estimated living
3
2026
Meaning
What does Ritu mean?
The name Ritu originates from the Sanskrit language and has its roots in ancient Indian culture. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "ritu," which means "season" or "periodic cycle." The name is believed to have been in use since ancient times, reflecting the reverence for nature and the cyclical patterns of life in Hindu traditions.
In Hindu mythology, Ritu is considered a personification of the seasons. She is often portrayed as a beautiful goddess who presides over the changing seasons and the rhythms of nature. The name may have been given to children born during certain auspicious seasons or as a way to invoke the blessings of nature upon them.
One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Ritu can be found in the ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas and the Puranas. These texts, dating back to around the 1st millennium BCE, contain references to various deities and personifications, including Ritu.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ritu. One such figure is Ritu Beri (born 1944), an Indian fashion designer who has made significant contributions to the global fashion industry. Her designs have been showcased on international runways and worn by celebrities worldwide.
Another prominent Ritu is Ritu Raj Mehrotra (born 1934), an Indian economist and academic who served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 1988 to 1990. He played a crucial role in shaping India's economic policies during a period of significant economic reforms.
In the realm of literature, Ritu Menon (born 1961) is a renowned Indian writer, publisher, and feminist activist. She co-founded Kali for Women, India's first feminist publishing house, and has authored several books exploring gender, identity, and social issues.
Ritu Phogat (born 1994) is an Indian professional wrestler and mixed martial artist who has achieved success in both disciplines. She has competed in prestigious wrestling competitions and has transitioned to mixed martial arts, where she has made a name for herself in the ONE Championship promotion.
Ritu Barmecha (born 1986) is an Indian actress known for her roles in television shows and films. She has received critical acclaim for her performances in projects like "Aisha" and "Kai Po Che," showcasing her versatility as an actress.
These are just a few examples of notable individuals named Ritu who have left their mark on various fields throughout history. The name continues to be popular, particularly in India and among the Indian diaspora, carrying the essence of nature's cyclical rhythms and the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Decades
Ritu by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Ritu 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | #3912 | 3 | 1 |
Related
Names similar to Ritu
- 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
Ritu: questions and answers
How popular is the name Ritu in the UK right now?
In 2000, Ritu was ranked #3912 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Ritu most popular?
The peak year on record was 2000, with 3 babies registered as Ritu in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Ritu?
A feminine Hindu name meaning "season" or "period of time".
How many people are called Ritu in the UK?
A total of 3 babies have been registered as Ritu across the 1 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.