MallowbyNames

Nidal

nee-DAHL · One meaning is 'struggle' or 'striving' in Arabic, often understood as a righteous struggle.

2025 rank (boys)
#9,714
Babies named in 2025
7
Peak popularity
1993
2025 frequency
1 in 244,011 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2020

Rising since 2020, #9,714 for boys today.

Popularity of Nidal since 1974

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

4913198020002020Most births 1993Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1970s12
1980s46
1990s47
2000s53
2010s42
2020s22

Meaning & origin

Nidal is a name of Arabic origin signifying a noble struggle, often within a moral or spiritual context. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1974 and reached its peak popularity in 1993. Though never among the top ranks, it has been consistently used, with a notable uptick in usage since 2020. Its trajectory suggests a quiet resurgence, particularly among families valuing its meaningful etymology. While it has not been recorded in any particular top states, its international presence and straightforward pronunciation give it cross-cultural appeal.

Nidal derives from the Arabic root n-d-l, associated with struggle or striving. The name is commonly used in Arabic-speaking countries and among Muslim families worldwide. It gained some visibility in the West during the late 20th century.

Nidal” around the world

Where Nidal lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    15

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Nidi, Dali

Variants: Nidhal

Sibling names for Nidal

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

Sisters: Layla, Nadia, Mona, Samira, Huda

Brothers: Tariq, Khalid, Omar, Adil, Jamal

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

N is for Nidal, our favorite little boy.

N is for Nidal…”

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

Make Nidal's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Nidal mean?
Nidal means 'struggle' or 'striving' in Arabic, often carrying a sense of righteous effort.
Is Nidal a common name?
Nidal is not widely common; in 2025 it ranked 9714 in the U.S., given to about 1 in 244,011 baby boys.
Is Nidal a boy name or girl name?
Nidal is typically used as a boy's name, though it can be unisex in some regions.