Rising since 1997, #3,848 for boys today.
Popularity of Nayan since 1990
Babies named Nayan per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2012, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Nayan's real moment was 2020.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 28 |
| 2000s | 154 |
| 2010s | 256 |
| 2020s | 140 |
Meaning & origin
Nayan is a name with Indian roots that has seen a steady rise in the United States since the late 1990s. First recorded in 1990, it reached its peak rank in 2020, reflecting growing interest in names of Sanskrit origin. As of 2025, about 1 in 61003 boys is named Nayan, and it has been most popular in California. The name's etymology is uncertain, but it is often linked to the Sanskrit word 'nayana' meaning 'eye'. Despite its modest rank, Nayan has carved a niche within Indian-American families and beyond, offering a short, melodic option that fits modern naming trends.
Nayan is a name used primarily in India, likely derived from the Sanskrit word 'nayana' meaning 'eye'. It may also be a short form of names like Nayanendra or Nayanashree. The name has seen increased usage in the United States from the 1990s onward, particularly within Indian-American communities.
Where Nayan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nayan” around the world
Where Nayan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
30
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Nayan
Names that share Nayan's style, for a brother or sister.
