Ruhani first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Ruhani has been for the last 21 years (from 2003 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Ruhani

A feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "spiritual" or "soulful".

Popularity of Ruhani by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Ruhani is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 16 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ruhani.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 16
2022 0 19
2021 0 15
2020 0 15
2019 0 15
2018 0 19
2017 0 16
2016 0 15
2015 0 15
2014 0 13
2013 0 12
2012 0 8
2010 0 9
2009 0 8
2008 0 6
2003 0 5

The history of the first name Ruhani

The name Ruhani is of Persian origin, derived from the Arabic word "ruh" meaning "soul" or "spirit." It is a feminine name that has been used for centuries in the Middle East and parts of South Asia.

In Islamic tradition, the word "ruh" holds deep spiritual significance, representing the divine essence breathed into human beings by God. The name Ruhani, therefore, carries a connotation of purity, spirituality, and a connection to the divine.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ruhani can be traced back to the 13th century, when it was mentioned in the writings of the renowned Persian poet and mystic, Rumi. In his poetic masterpiece, the Masnavi, Rumi referred to the concept of "Ruhani" as the spiritual essence that transcends the physical realm.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Ruhani. One such person was Ruhani Begum (1611-1671), a Mughal princess and the daughter of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. She was known for her patronage of arts and literature, and her influence in the royal court during the reign of her brother, Shah Jahan.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Ruhani Bai (1856-1924), an Indian classical singer and courtesan from the city of Jaipur. She was renowned for her mastery of the Khyal genre of Hindustani classical music and her contributions to the preservation of Indian cultural heritage.

In the 20th century, Ruhani Lal Khanna (1903-1983) was an Indian politician and freedom fighter who played a significant role in the country's independence movement. He served as the Governor of Andhra Pradesh from 1957 to 1962.

More recently, Ruhani Rahman (born 1953) is a prominent Bangladeshi singer and composer who has made significant contributions to the musical landscape of her country. She is known for her soulful renditions of Sufi and folk songs, as well as her efforts in promoting the music of Bangladesh globally.

Ruhani Kaur (born 1994) is a contemporary Indian singer and actress from Punjab. She has gained popularity for her work in Punjabi films and her collaborations with various music producers, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

The name Ruhani continues to be a popular choice among families in various parts of the world, particularly in regions where Persian and Arabic influences have been prevalent. Its deep spiritual connotations and historical significance make it a meaningful and timeless name.

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

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

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"Ruhani first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 12, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/ruhani-meaning-and-history/.

"Ruhani first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/ruhani-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 12 June, 2025

Ruhani first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/ruhani-meaning-and-history/.

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