Find out how popular the first name Nawal has been for the last 49 years (from 1976 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nawal by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Nawal is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 43 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nawal.

The history of the first name Nawal

The given name Nawal is of Arabic origin, deriving from the Arabic word "nawal" which means "to acquire" or "to attain". This name has been particularly popular in Muslim cultures and areas with strong Islamic influences.

Nawal is believed to have first emerged as a name during the early medieval period, around the 7th or 8th century CE. It was initially used predominantly in regions like the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Southwest Asia.

In ancient Arabic literature, Nawal is referenced in several poetic works from the pre-Islamic era, known as the Jahiliyyah period. Some scholars suggest that the name may have been used even earlier, possibly as far back as the 6th century CE.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nawal can be found in historical records from the Abbasid Caliphate, which ruled a large portion of the Muslim world from the 8th to the 13th century CE. During this time, several notable individuals bore the name Nawal.

Among the most famous historical figures with the name Nawal is Nawal Al-Sadawi, an Egyptian feminist writer, activist, physician, and psychiatrist. Born in 1931, she is widely regarded as a leading voice in the Arab feminist movement and has published numerous works addressing women's rights and social issues.

Another prominent figure is Nawal El Saadawi, an Egyptian writer, activist, physician, and psychiatrist born in 1931. She is widely celebrated for her literary works and advocacy for women's rights and secularism in the Arab world.

In the realm of poetry, Nawal Al-Zughbi was a renowned Egyptian poet and lyricist who lived from 1920 to 2013. Her poetic works, often addressing themes of love and nationalism, were highly influential in the Arab world.

Nawal El Moutawakel is a former Moroccan hurdler and the first Muslim woman from an Arab nation to win an Olympic gold medal. She achieved this historic feat at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Nawal Saad is an Iraqi singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. Known for her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence, she is considered a legendary figure in the world of Arabic music.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Nawal, which carries a rich cultural heritage and has been associated with various areas of achievement, from literature and activism to sports and the arts.

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

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

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