Declining since 2003.
Popularity of Nihar since 1978
Babies named Nihar per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 18 |
| 1990s | 59 |
| 2000s | 138 |
| 2010s | 82 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Nihar is a Sanskrit name meaning 'morning mist' or 'dew', drawn from the word nihāra. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1978, but has never entered the top 1,000 names nationally. Its peak year in the United States was 2004, when usage was still very infrequent. The name has been on a downward trajectory since around 2003, reflecting a broader decline in less common Indian names as naming trends shift. Despite its low frequency, Nihar remains a culturally meaningful choice for families with Indian heritage, evoking the calm and clarity of early morning.
Nihar derives from the Sanskrit word 'nihāra' (निहार), meaning 'mist' or 'dew'. In Hindu tradition, the name evokes the serene and auspicious quality of early morning, carrying connotations of freshness and renewal. It is traditionally used as a masculine given name in India, particularly in Bengali and Odia communities, and has gained modest recognition in diaspora communities.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Neehar
Sibling names for Nihar
Names that share Nihar's style, for a brother or sister.
