Find out how popular the first name Nayan has been for the last 34 years (from 1990 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nayan by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Nayan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Nayan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 22 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Nayan.

The history of the first name Nayan

The name Nayan has its origins in the Sanskrit language, which is one of the oldest Indo-Aryan languages spoken in ancient India. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "nayan," which means "eyes" or "vision." This name has been in use for centuries, particularly in the Indian subcontinent.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Nayan can be traced back to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, where it was mentioned as the name of a character. In this ancient text, Nayan was described as a skilled archer and warrior, highlighting the association of the name with keen vision and perception.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nayan. One of the most famous was Nayan Tara, a renowned Buddhist scholar and teacher who lived in the 11th century. He was known for his significant contributions to the propagation of Buddhism in Tibet and his writings on various aspects of Buddhist philosophy.

Another prominent figure with the name Nayan was Nayan Ranasinghe, a Sri Lankan politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the 1970s. He played a crucial role in shaping Sri Lanka's foreign policy during a turbulent period in the country's history.

In the field of literature, Nayan Ghose was a celebrated Indian poet and writer of the 20th century. His works, which explored themes of love, nature, and spirituality, earned him widespread acclaim and recognition, including the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Indian government.

The name Nayan has also been associated with the world of art. Nayan Kashinath Khare was an Indian painter and sculptor who gained recognition for his vibrant and expressive works, which drew inspiration from traditional Indian art forms as well as modern styles.

Another notable figure with the name Nayan was Nayan Chanda, a renowned journalist and author from India. He worked for various prestigious publications, including the Far Eastern Economic Review and the Wall Street Journal, and wrote extensively on topics related to Asia and international affairs.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Nayan throughout history, each making significant contributions in their respective fields and leaving a lasting impact on their communities and societies.

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

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

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