MallowbyNames

Chandni

चांदनीchuhnd-nee · Meaning 'moonlight' or 'moonbeam' in Hindi, derived from the Sanskrit word 'chandra' meaning 'moon'.

Peak popularity
1992
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Chandni since 1985

Babies named Chandni per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1326391990200020102020Most births 1992Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s70
1990s252
2000s78
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Chandni, meaning 'moonlight' in Sanskrit, entered U.S. birth records in 1985 and experienced a brief surge, reaching its peak rank (though unranked nationally due to low numbers) in 1992. Its trajectory has remained stable since the early 2000s, never exceeding roughly 10 births per year. The name is virtually unknown in top-state data, reflecting its niche but persistent use among Indian-American families. As of 2025, the one-in-N odds remain too low to calculate, confirming Chandni's rarity in the broader U.S. naming landscape.

Chandni comes from the Sanskrit root 'chandra' (moon) with a feminine suffix, directly meaning 'moonlight'. It is commonly used in India, Nepal, and among the South Asian diaspora. The name gained visibility through the 1989 Indian film 'Chandni' starring Sridevi.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Chand, Channi, Chandu

Variants: Chandani, Chandnee, Chandny

Sibling names for Chandni

Names that share Chandni's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Aarushi, Divya, Kavya, Neha, Priya

Brothers: Aarav, Rohan, Arjun, Vikram, Rahul

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Chandni, our favorite little girl.

C is for Chandni…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Chandni's letter becomes Chandni's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Chandni's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Chandni mean?
Chandni means 'moonlight' in Hindi, coming from the Sanskrit word 'chandra' for moon.
How popular is the name Chandni?
Chandni first appeared in U.S. records in 1985 and peaked in 1992. As of 2025, its usage remains stable but uncommon, with fewer than 5 births per year nationally.
Is Chandni a boy or girl name?
Chandni is almost exclusively a feminine name, given to girls.