Find out how popular the first name Niani has been for the last 32 years (from 1993 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Niani by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Niani is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 13 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Niani.

The history of the first name Niani

The name Niani is believed to have its origins in the Soninke language, spoken by the Soninke people of West Africa, particularly in present-day Mali and surrounding regions. The Soninke were an influential ethnic group during the ancient Ghana Empire, which flourished from the 7th to the 13th century.

The name Niani is thought to be derived from the Soninke word "niani," which means "wanderer" or "nomad." This connection to the nomadic lifestyle of the Soninke people may have influenced the name's meaning and usage. It's also possible that the name is associated with the ancient city of Niani, which served as the capital of the Mali Empire during the 14th century.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Niani can be found in the chronicles of the Mali Empire, where it was mentioned as the name of a prominent figure or ruler. However, the exact details and historical context surrounding this individual remain uncertain.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Niani. One such person was Niani Khalil (c. 1475-1537), a renowned Sufi poet and scholar from the Swahili Coast region of East Africa. His poetic works, written in the Swahili language, are considered influential in the development of Swahili literature.

Another individual of note was Niani Musa (c. 1280-1337), who ruled as the ninth Mansa (emperor) of the Mali Empire during the 14th century. His reign was marked by the empire's expansion and prosperity, and he is remembered for his famous pilgrimage to Mecca, during which he displayed the empire's wealth and power.

In the 19th century, Niani Batoumba (c. 1820-1892) was a prominent leader and warrior among the Bakongo people of present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola. He played a significant role in the resistance against colonial forces and the slave trade during that era.

Additionally, Niani Diarra (c. 1890-1950) was a notable Malian griot (oral historian and storyteller) and musician who contributed to the preservation and transmission of the cultural traditions of the Mandinka people.

Lastly, Niani Kouyaté (c. 1935-2002) was a renowned Malian writer and poet who wrote extensively in the Bamanankan language. His works explored themes of identity, culture, and resistance, and he is considered a significant figure in the modern literature of Mali.

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

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

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