Declining since 2021, #1,867 for girls today.
Popularity of Nairobi since 1983
Babies named Nairobi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 30 |
| 1990s | 75 |
| 2000s | 127 |
| 2010s | 222 |
| 2020s | 1,107 |
Meaning & origin
Nairobi entered the U.S. baby name charts in 1983, making it one of the newer city-inspired names. It reached its highest rank of 1867 in 2021, but has since fallen in popularity. As of 2025, about 1 in 15163 girls receive the name. The name has been most popular in Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina. Nairobi's appeal lies in its connection to the vibrant capital of Kenya, evoking images of wildlife and natural beauty. Despite its recent decline, the name retains a modern, worldly feel that sets it apart from more traditional choices.
Nairobi is a modern given name taken directly from the capital city of Kenya. The city's name originates from the Maasai phrase 'Enkare Nyirobi', which translates to 'cool waters', referring to the Nairobi River that flows through the area. The name first saw use as a personal name in the United States in 1983, likely inspired by the city's prominence and exotic appeal. It gained popularity in the 2010s and reached its peak rank in 2021.
Where Nairobi is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nai, Robi
Variants: Nayrobi
Sibling names for Nairobi
Names that share Nairobi's style, for a brother or sister.
