Declining since 2012, #2,822 for girls today.
Popularity of Nahla since 1977
Babies named Nahla per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 14 |
| 1990s | 58 |
| 2000s | 364 |
| 2010s | 2,129 |
| 2020s | 666 |
Meaning & origin
Nahla entered U.S. birth records in 1977, and its popularity grew steadily, reaching its peak at rank 1,176 in 2011. Since 2012, however, its use has been falling, settling at rank 2,822 in 2025, with approximately 1 in 26,788 female births. The name is most common in Minnesota, Virginia, and North Carolina. Its Arabic etymology, meaning a drink of water after thirst, gives it a refreshing and vivid imagery. Though the name has roots in the Arab world, it has been adopted by parents in the U.S. seeking a melodic, cross-cultural name. Its sound is sometimes confused with the Swahili-inspired name Nala (from The Lion King), but the meanings and origins are distinct.
Nahla derives from the Arabic word 'نَهْلَة' (nahla), referring to a drink of water, especially the first sip after a period of thirst. It is also associated with the related term for a drink taken in the morning. The name carries positive connotations of relief and refreshment, and it has been used in Arabic-speaking communities, though its modern popularity in English-speaking countries is largely due to its pleasant sound and recent adoption in the West.
Where Nahla is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nahla” around the world
Where Nahla lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nahl, Nala
Variants: Nala
Sibling names for Nahla
Names that share Nahla's style, for a brother or sister.
