Find out how popular the first name Nalan has been for the last 15 years (from 2009 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nalan by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Nalan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 12 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nalan.

The history of the first name Nalan

The name Nalan has its origins in the Tamil language, which is predominantly spoken in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and the neighboring regions. Its earliest roots can be traced back to ancient Tamil literature and inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century BCE.

Nalan is derived from the Tamil word "Nalam," which means "goodness" or "virtue." It was a common name among the Tamil people, particularly among the noble and scholarly classes, as it embodied the virtues and values they aspired to uphold.

In the ancient Tamil epic, the Silappadikaram, dated around the 5th century CE, there is a character named Nalan Kadignar, a celebrated poet and scholar revered for his wisdom and literary contributions. This early reference suggests that the name Nalan was already in use during that period.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Nalan was Nalan Chidambaran, a renowned Tamil philosopher and poet who lived in the 9th century CE. He was known for his works on Saiva Siddhanta philosophy and his poetic compositions.

Nalan Kumarasamy Pillai (1827-1899) was a prominent Tamil scholar, educator, and social reformer from the 19th century. He played a significant role in promoting Tamil education and literature, and was instrumental in establishing several educational institutions in Tamil Nadu.

Nalan Chakravarthi Reddy (1924-2022) was an Indian writer, poet, and journalist who made significant contributions to Telugu literature. He was a recipient of several prestigious literary awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Shri.

Nalan Xingde (born 1665) was a Chinese philosopher and writer during the Qing dynasty. Although not directly related to the Tamil origin of the name, his works on Neo-Confucianism and ethics gained him recognition in Chinese intellectual circles.

Nalan Sukkhadia (born 1932) is an Indian writer and poet from Rajasthan, known for his contributions to the Rajasthani language and literature. He has received numerous accolades, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Shri.

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 Nalan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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