Find out how popular the first name Nawab has been for the last 2 years (from 2022 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nawab by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Nawab is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nawab.

The history of the first name Nawab

The name Nawab originated in the Persian language and can be traced back to the 16th century. It was derived from the Persian word "navvab," which means "deputy" or "representative." The name was initially given to the governors or deputies who ruled over provinces in the Mughal Empire, which spanned parts of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

During the Mughal era, the title of Nawab was bestowed upon individuals who held significant positions in the imperial administration or military. These Nawabs were appointed by the Mughal emperors to oversee the governance and management of various regions within the empire. The name gained prominence and prestige as it became associated with power, wealth, and authority.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nawab can be found in historical texts and chronicles from the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great (1542-1605). Prominent Nawabs from this period include Nawab Asaf Khan (1569-1642), who served as the Prime Minister under Emperor Shah Jahan, and Nawab Saadullah Khan (1582-1651), a renowned military commander and statesman.

As the Mughal Empire declined in the 18th century, the Nawabs of various provinces, such as Awadh (Oudh), Bengal, and the Carnatic, emerged as semi-independent rulers. Some notable Nawabs from this era include Nawab Wazir of Oudh, Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah (1733-1757), and Nawab Muhammad Ali Wallajah (1717-1795) of the Carnatic region.

Throughout history, the name Nawab has been associated with several influential figures. For example, Nawab Mir Jafar (1691-1765) played a pivotal role in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India. Another notable Nawab was Nawab Asaf Jah I (1671-1748), the founder of the Asaf Jahi dynasty that ruled the Hyderabad State.

Other famous Nawabs include Nawab Saadat Ali Khan II (1752-1814), the Nawab of Oudh known for his lavish lifestyle and patronage of art and architecture, and Nawab Muhammad Mahabat Khan II (1714-1749), who was a prominent ruler of the Carnatic region.

While the title of Nawab was initially associated with nobility and governance, over time, the name has also been adopted by individuals from various backgrounds and cultures, transcending its original connotations and becoming a popular name across the world.

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

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

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