Origin
Sanskrit origin, from the word 'Tulsi' which means 'Holy Basil'. The name is connected to the sacred plant in Hindu tradition, often associated with purity and spiritual significance. While primarily rooted in Indian culture and language, the name has gained recognition and usage in Australia through multicultural influences and interest in herbal and spiritual practices.
Meaning
Lit. 'Holy Basil'; symbolises purity, sacredness, and spiritual awakening in Indian culture. In Australian contexts, it often connotes wellness, nature, and spirituality.
Pronunciation
/ˈtʊl.si/ (TOOL-see) with primary stress on the first syllable in Australian English pronunciation. Vowel sounds are as in 'tool' and 'see'. Definitions are based on Sanskrit pronunciation adapted to Australian phonetics.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Tulasi (alternate spelling, retained in Indian contexts)
- Tulsi (common in English speaking contexts)
- Tulsie (rare diminutive)
Nicknames
- Tulsie
- Tulsi-Boo
Name Days
- 21 November (Festival of Tulsi in Hindu tradition)
- Independent of traditional Australian or Christian calendar dates, though some individuals may celebrate personal or cultural days.
- No widely recognised Australian-specific name days.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with tulsi:
- Lily and Tulsi (flower-themed), Emily and Tulsi (popular Australian girl names)
- Sophie and Tulsi (harmonious sounds and modern appeal)
- Asha and Tulsi (both spiritual and harmonious)
Fun Facts
- The name Tulsi has become popular among Australians interested in holistic health and alternative medicine.
- In Australia, herbal and spiritual themes have led to increased adoption of names like Tulsi, especially in communities embracing Indian culture.
- There are gardens in Australia dedicated to Tulsi plants, reflecting its cultural importance.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name tulsi:
- Spiritual
- Nature-loving
- Holistic
- Gentle
- Harmonious
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a delicate and spiritual aesthetic, visually appealing with a balanced phonetic structure that resonates with natural and peaceful imagery.
Geographical Distribution
More prevalent in urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane where multicultural Indian communities thrive. Less common in rural or predominantly Anglo-Australian areas.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7, associated with introspection, spirituality, and inner wisdom in numerology; often linked with a thoughtful, mindful personality, aligning with the name's spiritual connotations.
Astrological Connections
No specific astrological connections; however, the name's spiritual significance aligns with signs such as Pisces and Cancer, which are linked to intuition and nurturing qualities.
Historical Context
While the name is rooted in Indian spiritual traditions, its adaptation in Australia is recent, mostly beginning in multicultural and herbalist communities. Australian literature and media seldom feature the name historically, but it appears increasingly in contemporary multicultural narratives.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, retaining its original form in Hindi and Sanskrit adaptations; in Western contexts, it is sometimes anglicised as Tulsi or Tulasi.
Famous People Named tulsi
- Tulsi Gabbard (American politician, of Indian descent)
- Tulsi Patel (fictional character in Australian multicultural literature)
- Tulsi Ram (historical Hindu sage, often referenced in Australian diaspora contexts)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 |