Rising since 2010, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Ngawang since 2006
Babies named Ngawang per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 0 | 11 |
| 2010s | 19 | 42 |
| 2020s | 5 | 29 |
Meaning & origin
Ngawang is a Tibetan name with deep roots in Buddhist culture, traditionally an epithet of Manjushri. In the United States, it first appeared in records in 2006, and as of 2025, it ranks at 10,695 with approximately 1 in 284,679 newborns receiving the name. Its popularity has been steadily rising since 2010, reaching its peak in 2022. The name is most frequently seen in New York among top states. While historically a male name in Tibetan contexts, in the U.S. it is used for both genders, reflecting a broader trend of cross-cultural naming. As a relatively recent addition to American naming pools, Ngawang carries a sense of distinctiveness tied to its spiritual heritage.
Ngawang is a Tibetan name derived from the elements 'nga' (speech) and 'wang' (power, lord). It is an epithet of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, and is commonly used in Tibetan Buddhist communities. The name has been borne by numerous Tibetan lamas, including the Dalai Lamas.
Where Ngawang is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ngawang” around the world
Where Ngawang lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Ngawang
Names that share Ngawang's style, for a brother or sister.
