Rising since 1992, #856 for girls today.
Popularity of Nala since 1979
Babies named Nala per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 320 |
| 2000s | 822 |
| 2010s | 2,837 |
| 2020s | 2,154 |
Meaning & origin
Nala has grown from a rare name, first recorded in 1979, into a steady favorite in recent decades. Its popularity surged after 1994, likely due to the Disney character, and it has been on the rise since 1992. The name peaked at rank 856 in 2025, reflecting a 1 in 5,070 usage rate. Notably, Nala's top states include Nevada, Alabama, and Georgia, showing particular favor in the South and West. Its dual African and Sanskrit origins give it a cross-cultural appeal, though modern usage leans heavily on the African meaning and the Disney associations.
Nala has two main origins. In Swahili and other East African languages, it means 'success' or 'queen'. In Sanskrit, Nala is a male name from ancient Indian epic literature, meaning 'lotus' or 'stem', famously borne by King Nala in the Mahabharata. In modern Western usage, it is primarily feminine, possibly influenced by the character from Disney's 'The Lion King' (1994), where it may be derived from Swahili.
Where Nala is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nala” around the world
Where Nala lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nali, Nala-Bear
Sibling names for Nala
Names that share Nala's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kira, Zara, Maya, Lila, Safiya, Irie, Kala, Kali, Nakia, Asiah, Dajah, Jailah, Lala, Shatara, Aleiah, Hina, Jahna, Jalah, Kama, Kijana, Meka, Nyoka, Adja, Akela, Alee, Asmara, Chika, Imara, Iyanla, Jaala, Lilu, Mulani, Niani, Nikya, Nzinga, Sarabi, Shaquala, Beyonca, Ashantee, Beza, Kenniya, Kida, Malay, Nayleah, Neka, Shantai, Tasi
Brothers: Leo, Kai, Jasper, Milo, Zion, Amare, Ajani, Dakari, Kion, Neko, Kahari, Kahmari, Kong, Kyrese, Treyon, Bakari, Daion, Dezmon, Iroh, Jaquise, Khalon, Mansa, Meko, Nkosi, Obi, Ra, Shaka, Tayo, Tiki, Mandela, Nakhi, Alakay, Alekai, Goku, Jumaane, Maasai, Massai, Meeko, Nakari, Samba, Simba
