Find out how popular the first name Kanwal has been for the last 7 years (from 1991 to 1997) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kanwal by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Kanwal is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1997, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kanwal.

The history of the first name Kanwal

The name Kanwal has its origins in the Hindi and Urdu languages, which are spoken primarily in India and Pakistan. The name is derived from the Persian word "kanwal," which means "lotus flower." The lotus flower is a revered symbol in ancient Indian and Hindu culture, representing purity, divinity, and spiritual enlightenment.

The earliest recorded use of the name Kanwal can be traced back to ancient Sanskrit texts, where it was often used as a poetic reference to the lotus flower. In Hindu mythology, the lotus is associated with several deities, including the creator god Brahma and the goddess of wealth and fortune, Lakshmi.

One of the earliest notable figures to bear the name Kanwal was Kanwal Nain, a renowned female poet and courtesan who lived in the 16th century during the Mughal Empire. Her poetic works, which celebrated love and beauty, were widely admired and influenced the literary traditions of the time.

Another historical figure named Kanwal was Kanwal Nath, a Sufi saint and spiritual leader who lived in the 17th century. He was revered for his teachings on love, devotion, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, and his shrine in Lahore, Pakistan, remains a popular pilgrimage site for devotees.

In more recent history, Kanwal Sibal was an Indian diplomat and former Foreign Secretary of India, who played a significant role in shaping India's foreign policy in the late 20th century. He was born in 1923 and served in various diplomatic capacities until his retirement in 1989.

Kanwal Rekhi is a prominent Indian-American entrepreneur and venture capitalist, known for his contributions to the technology industry. Born in 1954, he co-founded the software company Excelan and later became a successful venture capitalist, investing in numerous technology startups.

Another notable figure named Kanwal was Kanwal Kapoor, an Indian film director and producer who made significant contributions to the Hindi film industry. Born in 1938, he directed several popular movies and was also involved in film production and distribution.

These are just a few examples of historical and notable figures who have borne the name Kanwal, which carries with it a rich cultural heritage and significance rooted in ancient Indian and Hindu traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kanwal was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kanwal, please contact us.

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