pratibha

Pratibha is a feminine given name of Sanskrit origin, commonly interpreted to mean brightness, brilliance, or talent. It is used in India and among Indian communities abroad, appearing in several languages such as Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, and Odia. The name has variant spellings including Prathiba, Pratiba, and Prathiba, reflecting different transliterations from Sanskrit.

The most widely known bearer is Pratibha Patil (Pratibha Devisingh Patil), born in 1934, an Indian politician who served as the 12th President of India from 2007 to 2012 and was the first woman to hold the office. Her presidency is a notable reference point for the name in modern public life.

Culturally, the name Pratibha embodies positive attributes associated with intellect and talent, fitting within a broader Indian naming tradition that often selects names to express desirable qualities. Its ease of pronunciation and favorable meaning have contributed to its continued use across diverse linguistic communities within the Indian subcontinent.