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

Popularity of Neelam by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Neelam.

The history of the first name Neelam

The name Neelam is of Sanskrit origin, derived from the Sanskrit word "nila," which means "blue" or "dark blue." This name is particularly popular in India and other parts of South Asia.

In ancient Hindu texts and scriptures, "Neelam" is often associated with the precious gemstone sapphire, which has a deep blue hue. The name is believed to symbolize beauty, purity, and tranquility, making it a popular choice for parents seeking a meaningful and auspicious name for their child.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Neelam can be found in the ancient Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. In this epic, Neelam is mentioned as the name of a princess from the kingdom of Vidarbha. This reference dates back to the 4th century BCE, suggesting that the name has been in use for over two millennia.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Neelam. One of the most famous was Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1913-1996), who served as the sixth President of India from 1977 to 1982. Another notable figure was Neelam Krishnamoorthy (1938-2021), an accomplished Indian actress who appeared in numerous Bollywood films and television shows.

Neelam Saxena Chhiber (born 1951) is an Indian politician and former member of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's parliament. Neelam Katara (born 1977) is an Indian model and actress who has appeared in various films and television shows.

In the field of literature, Neelam Saran Gour (born 1953) is a renowned Indian novelist, poet, and critic who has written extensively in both Hindi and English. Her works explore themes of feminism, social justice, and cultural identity.

While the name Neelam has its roots in ancient Sanskrit, it continues to be a popular choice for parents in modern times, particularly in India and the South Asian diaspora. The name's association with beauty, purity, and gemstones makes it a timeless and meaningful choice for many families.

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

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

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