MallowbyNames

Nandana

nun-DAH-nuh · Delight, joy, or a daughter; a name of Hindu mythology and Sanskrit origin.

Peak popularity
2012
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Nandana since 2002

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

5101520102020Most births 2012Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
2000s54
2010s67
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Nandana is a rare Sanskrit name that first appeared in U.S. data in 2002. Its peak year was 2012, though it never entered the top 1000 and remains a distinctive choice. The name has been stable in usage since the 2010s, with no recorded top-ranking states, suggesting a scattered but dedicated following. For parents drawn to Indian heritage or mythological significance, Nandana offers a meaningful connection to joy and divinity without the weight of common usage.

Nandana derives from the Sanskrit root 'nand' (to rejoice, to be delighted). In Hindu mythology, Nandana is the name of a daughter of the god Krishna and also refers to the celestial garden of Indra. The name has been used in India for centuries, particularly among Hindu families, and has seen modest adoption in the West in recent decades.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Nandu, Nandi, Nana

Variants: Nandini

Sibling names for Nandana

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

Sisters: Ananya, Kavya, Ishita, Priya, Riya

Brothers: Arjun, Rohan, Vihaan, Aryan, Dev

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

N is for Nandana, our favorite little girl.

N is for Nandana…”

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

Make Nandana's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Nandana mean?
Nandana means 'delight' or 'joy' in Sanskrit, and it is also the name of a daughter of Krishna in Hindu mythology.
Is Nandana a popular name?
Nandana is a rare name in the United States. It first appeared in data in 2002 and has remained uncommon, with its peak rank occurring in 2012. As of 2025, it is used very infrequently.
Is Nandana a boy or girl name?
Nandana is predominantly a feminine name, especially when used in reference to the mythological daughter of Krishna. Although it can be used for boys in some contexts, it is almost exclusively given to girls in modern usage.