Nehlani
A feminine name potentially of Native American origin with various suggested meanings.
Name Census estimates that about 91 living Americans carry the first name Nehlani. The name is used almost exclusively for girls. The average person named Nehlani today is around 5 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Nehlani births was 2020 (18 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Nehlani. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
Key insights
- • Fewer than 100 living Americans are believed to carry the name Nehlani. It is among the rarest names in the SSA records.
People living today
91
~ 1 in 3,766,531 Americans
Peak year
2020
18 babies that year
Average age
5
years old
2024 SSA rank
#7,831
Tracked since 2018
Popularity
Nehlani: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Nehlani from the 2010s through to the 2020s, spanning 2 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 2020s, with 77 total registrations. The name continues to be given at rates close to its all-time high, suggesting it has not yet fallen out of fashion.
Babies born per year
Decades
Nehlani by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Nehlani during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Origin
Meaning and history of Nehlani
The name Nehlani is believed to have its origins in the Sioux Native American tribe, originating in the Great Plains region of North America during the 18th century. The name is thought to be derived from the Sioux word "nehla," meaning "sacred" or "divine," combined with the suffix "ni," which denotes a feminine name. This suggests that the name Nehlani carries a meaning of "sacred woman" or "divine feminine."
While the name's exact roots are not well documented, it is presumed to have been used within the Sioux tribe as a traditional name for girls and women. The Sioux people have a rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to the land, and their names often reflect this, incorporating elements of nature, spirituality, and strength.
There are no known historical references or appearances of the name Nehlani in ancient texts or religious scriptures. However, this is not surprising given the oral tradition and lack of written records within many Native American cultures during that time period.
The earliest recorded examples of the name Nehlani are relatively modern, likely arising in the late 20th century as a result of renewed interest in and appreciation for Native American culture and traditions. Some notable individuals who have borne the name Nehlani throughout history include:
1. Nehlani Jade (born 1992), an American model and social media influencer known for her activism and advocacy for Indigenous rights.
2. Nehlani Kawēkiu Kānakaʻole (1886-1968), a revered Hawaiian chanter, hula practitioner, and cultural leader who played a pivotal role in preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian traditions.
3. Nehlani Palkhivala (born 1987), an Indian businesswoman and entrepreneur, co-founder of the successful fashion and lifestyle brand Nykaa.
4. Nehlani Ramirez (born 1995), a Mexican-American artist and illustrator whose works often explore themes of identity, culture, and personal growth.
5. Nehlani Waqavono (born 1978), a Fijian environmental activist and community leader, recognized for her work in promoting sustainable practices and protecting local ecosystems.
While not an exhaustive list, these individuals demonstrate the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of those who have carried the name Nehlani throughout history, reflecting its enduring meaning and connection to cultural heritage and empowerment.
People
Nehlani + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Nehlani as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with N
Other first names starting with N with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Nehlani: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Nehlani?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 91 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Nehlani going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 3,766,531 US residents.
Is Nehlani a common name?
We classify Nehlani as "Very Rare". It ranks above 63.2% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 92 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Nehlani most popular?
The single biggest year for Nehlani was 2020, when 18 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Nehlani is about 5 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Nehlani a female name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Nehlani in the SSA data are female. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.