Find out how popular the first name Nili has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nili by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Nili is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 14 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nili.

The history of the first name Nili

Nili is a given name with origins rooted in the Sanskrit language, which was prominent in ancient India. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "nila," meaning "blue" or "dark blue." This association with the color blue likely stems from its connection to the vast, azure skies that stretched over the Indian subcontinent.

The name Nili can be traced back to ancient Hindu texts, such as the Vedas and the Upanishads, where it was occasionally mentioned as a descriptive term for the vibrant hues found in nature. However, its use as a personal name didn't gain widespread popularity until the medieval period in India.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Nili can be found in the writings of the renowned Sanskrit poet and dramatist, Kalidasa, who lived during the 4th or 5th century CE. In his epic poem, the Raghuvamsa, he makes reference to a character named Nili, though the specific context is unclear.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nili. In the 12th century, Nili Pandita was a revered Hindu scholar and philosopher from Kashmir, known for his contributions to the study of grammar and linguistics. His exact birth and death dates are uncertain, but he is believed to have lived between 1100 and 1200 CE.

Another prominent figure was Nili Raut, a 16th-century warrior and chieftain from the Maratha Empire in India. He played a pivotal role in the military campaigns against the Mughal Empire, and his bravery and leadership were celebrated in various folk tales and ballads of the time. Nili Raut's birth and death years are not precisely recorded, but he is estimated to have lived between 1550 and 1620 CE.

In more recent times, Nili Deza was a renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer who helped popularize and preserve the Kathak dance form. She was born in 1906 and passed away in 1994, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of performing arts.

Nili Prishtina was a celebrated Albanian painter and artist, known for her vibrant and expressive works that captured the essence of her homeland. She was born in 1943 and died in 2019, leaving an indelible mark on the art world with her unique style and vision.

Lastly, Nili Perera was a Sri Lankan author and educator who made significant contributions to children's literature in her country. She wrote numerous books and stories that aimed to impart valuable lessons and cultural traditions to young readers. Nili Perera was born in 1927 and passed away in 2008, leaving behind a rich literary legacy.

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

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

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