Find out how popular the first name Nirmala has been for the last 12 years (from 1977 to 1988) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nirmala by gender

Based on the last 12 years of data, Nirmala is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1988, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nirmala.

The history of the first name Nirmala

Nirmala is a Sanskrit name derived from the words 'nir' meaning 'without' and 'mala' meaning 'impurity' or 'stain'. The name thus translates to 'pure', 'immaculate', or 'unblemished'. It is a popular name among Hindus, especially in the Indian subcontinent.

The name Nirmala has its origins in ancient Hindu texts and scriptures. It is mentioned in the Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, as an epithet for the divine goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. The name is also associated with other Hindu goddesses like Saraswati and Parvati, symbolizing purity and virtue.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nirmala dates back to the 16th century. Nirmala Devi (1537-1619) was a Hindu mystic and saint from the Rajput community in Rajasthan, India. She was known for her spiritual teachings and devotional poetry.

In the 19th century, Nirmala Sundari Devi (1872-1942) was a prominent Bengali writer and social reformer who advocated for women's education and empowerment. She is considered one of the pioneers of the Bengali literary renaissance.

Nirmala Srivastava (1923-2011) was an Indian independence activist and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. She participated in the Quit India Movement and was imprisoned multiple times by the British authorities for her involvement in the Indian independence struggle.

Nirmala Kuteeri (1933-1997) was a renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer. She was a prominent exponent of the Odissi dance form and played a significant role in its revival and popularization.

Nirmala Sitharaman (born 1959) is an Indian politician and the current Finance Minister of India. She is the second woman to hold this position after Indira Gandhi and is known for her economic policies and reforms.

The name Nirmala continues to be popular among Hindus, particularly in India, and is often chosen for its auspicious meaning and association with purity and virtue.

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

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

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