Find out how popular the first name Palani has been for the last 20 years (from 1975 to 1994) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Palani by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Palani is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1994, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Palani.

The history of the first name Palani

The name Palani has its origins in Tamil culture and language, which has a rich history dating back several centuries in southern India. Palani is derived from the Tamil word "palanilai," which means "an abode or resting place." It is believed that the name was initially associated with the famous Palani hill temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, a revered Hindu deity.

In ancient Tamil literature, the name Palani is mentioned in works such as the Thirumurugatrupadai, a poetic work composed in the 7th century CE. This text describes the beauty and significance of the Palani hill and the temple, indicating that the name was already in use during that period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Palani dates back to the 9th century CE, when a Tamil chieftain named Palani Mudiyan ruled over parts of the present-day Coimbatore region. He was known for his patronage of Tamil literature and culture.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Palani. One prominent example is Palani Murugan, a 17th-century Tamil poet and scholar who authored the work "Palani Murugan Kaviyam," which narrates the legends and importance of the Palani hill temple. Another individual of historical significance is Palani Subramania Pillai (1825-1891), a Tamil scholar and reformist who advocated for social and educational reforms in the 19th century.

In the field of arts and culture, Palani Balachander (1927-2014) was a renowned film director and screenwriter who made significant contributions to the Tamil cinema industry. He was known for his realistic and socially conscious films.

Palani Arunachalam (1852-1901) was a prominent Indian lawyer and politician who served as a member of the Madras Legislative Council and advocated for the rights of the non-Brahmin community in Tamil Nadu.

Palani Murugan (1936-2015) was a renowned Tamil novelist and short story writer, whose works explored themes of social injustice, poverty, and the plight of marginalized communities. His writings earned him several prestigious literary awards.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Palani throughout history, reflecting its deep-rooted cultural significance and association with Tamil literature, arts, and social reforms.

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

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

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