Holding steady, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Nalini since 1968
Babies named Nalini per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 12 |
| 1970s | 30 |
| 1980s | 45 |
| 1990s | 45 |
| 2000s | 70 |
| 2010s | 99 |
| 2020s | 54 |
Meaning & origin
Nalini entered U.S. records in 1968 and has maintained a consistent but rare presence. Its peak year was 2012, when it ranked highest in usage. In 2025, it ranked 9,457th with a frequency of about 1 in 160,727 newborns. The name is most commonly found in California, reflecting its cultural ties to the Indian community. Despite its low overall rank, Nalini has shown stable trajectory over the decades, appealing to families seeking a name with deep spiritual and natural symbolism.
Nalini is a Sanskrit name meaning 'lotus' or 'lotus stalk.' It is also a name for the goddess Lakshmi in Hindu tradition. The lotus is a sacred symbol in Indian religions, representing purity and beauty.
Where Nalini is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nali, Lini
Variants: Nalinee
Sibling names for Nalini
Names that share Nalini's style, for a brother or sister.
