Find out how popular the first name Nani has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nani by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Nani is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 33 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nani.

The history of the first name Nani

The name Nani has its origins in several cultures and languages around the world. In Hawaiian culture, Nani is a feminine given name that means "beautiful" or "pretty." It is derived from the Hawaiian word nani, which refers to beauty, grace, and loveliness.

In Indian languages like Hindi and Punjabi, Nani is a term used to address one's maternal grandmother. It is a respectful and affectionate way to refer to the paternal side of the family. The name Nani is also found in Persian, where it means "little bread" or "baby bread."

The name Nani can be traced back to ancient texts and religious scriptures. In Hindu mythology, Nani is one of the names of the goddess Parvati, who is revered as the divine mother and the wife of Lord Shiva. The name is also mentioned in the Puranas, a collection of ancient Hindu texts.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Nani was in the 6th century BCE, when it was used by a Persian princess named Nani, the daughter of King Cyrus the Great. Another notable historical figure with the name Nani was Nani Palkhivala, an Indian jurist and economist who lived from 1920 to 2002.

In the world of literature, Nani is the name of a character in the novel "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy, which won the Booker Prize in 1997. The character Nani is depicted as a strong-willed and independent woman who defies societal norms.

In the realm of politics, Nani Palkhivala was a prominent Indian jurist and economist who played a significant role in shaping the country's economic policies in the late 20th century. He was widely respected for his legal expertise and his advocacy for civil liberties.

Another notable figure with the name Nani was Nani Bregvadze, a Georgian singer and actress who lived from 1938 to 2017. She was a celebrated performer who made significant contributions to the cultural heritage of Georgia through her music and acting career.

In sports, Nani is the nickname of Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha, a Portuguese professional footballer who was born in 1986. He has played for several top clubs, including Manchester United and Valencia, and has represented the Portuguese national team.

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

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

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