Find out how popular the first name Navani has been for the last 7 years (from 2017 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Navani by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 29 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Navani.

The history of the first name Navani

The name Navani originates from the Sanskrit language, which has its roots in the ancient Indian subcontinent. It is believed to have emerged around the 2nd century BCE, during the classical period of Sanskrit literature. The name is composed of two words: "nava," meaning new or fresh, and "ani," signifying air or wind. Thus, Navani can be interpreted as "fresh breeze" or "new wind."

In Hindu mythology, the name Navani is associated with the concept of renewal and rejuvenation. It is often linked to the arrival of spring, symbolizing the beginning of a new cycle of life and growth. Some scholars also suggest a connection to the goddess Saraswati, the Hindu deity of knowledge, music, and creativity, as the name evokes a sense of freshness and inspiration.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Navani can be found in the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata. It is mentioned as the name of a minor character, a young woman from a noble family. While her role in the epic is relatively small, the inclusion of the name in this revered text highlights its antiquity and cultural significance.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Navani. One such person was Navani Devi (1506-1582), a renowned female poet and mystic from the Indian state of Rajasthan. Her poetic works, which celebrated devotion and spiritual love, have been widely studied and appreciated in the region.

Another prominent figure was Navani Pethiya (1820-1892), a social reformer and educator from Gujarat, India. She was a pioneer in promoting women's education and played a crucial role in establishing one of the first schools for girls in her hometown.

In the field of literature, Navani Jayasena (1924-2003) was a celebrated Sri Lankan novelist and short story writer. Her works often explored themes of social injustice, gender inequality, and the struggles of marginalized communities.

The name Navani also gained prominence in the world of dance and performing arts. Navani Kundra (1942-2018) was an acclaimed Indian classical dancer and choreographer, renowned for her contributions to the Kathak dance form.

Lastly, Navani Mehta (born 1967) is a contemporary Canadian artist and sculptor, known for her large-scale public installations that blend traditional Indian motifs with modern materials and techniques.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Navani throughout history, each contributing to their respective fields and leaving a lasting impact on their communities and cultures.

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

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

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