Kamala

Kamala is a feminine given name of Sanskrit origin, meaning lotus. In Hindu tradition, Kamala is an epithet of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. The term appears in religious poetry and iconography as a reminder of inner growth and beauty.

As a name, Kamala is common in India and among diaspora communities, and it has been adopted in various cultures influenced by Indian languages. Its usage has spread with global intercultural exchange, while often retaining the lotus-related meaning.

Notable people and characters associated with the name include Kamala Devi Harris (born 1964), the American politician who serves as Vice President of the United States. Kamala Surayya, also known as Kamala Das (1934–2009), was an Indian poet who wrote in English and Malayalam and is known for her bold, reform-minded verse. In popular culture, Kamala Khan is a fictional character in Marvel Comics who appears as Ms. Marvel, a Pakistani-American teenager and superhero.

Beyond individual names, Kamala remains a culturally significant term tied to the lotus symbolism in South Asian religious and literary traditions. The combination of spiritual symbolism with contemporary usage helps explain the name’s enduring popularity across different communities.