usha

Usha is a female given name of Sanskrit origin meaning dawn or daybreak. In Hinduism and Vedic literature, Ushas is the personification of dawn, a goddess who heralds the first light and awakening, associated with the dispelling of darkness and the arrival of a new day. The name carries connotations of renewal and new beginnings and is commonly used in India and among the Indian diaspora. It is often transliterated as Usha or Usha.

As a personal name, Usha is widely encountered in South Asia and in communities with Indian heritage. It is used across multiple languages influenced by Sanskrit, including Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, and Punjabi. The name may be paired with various surnames and is sometimes shortened to Ushi or Usha.

Notable uses and entities include Usha Uthup, an Indian singer known for her distinctive vocal style and long career in Indian pop and film music. In commerce, Usha International is a major Indian consumer appliances company, known for products such as fans, sewing machines, and kitchen appliances. The name also appears in literature and film, reflecting its cultural resonance as a traditional Indian given name.