Holding steady, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Ninel since 2002
Babies named Ninel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 249 |
| 2010s | 41 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
The name Ninel is a distinctive and rare modern name. First recorded in U.S. data in 2002, it has never been common, with a peak rank of 14,942 in its first recorded year of 2004. As of 2025, its incidence remains very low, approximately 1 in 321,453 births. The name's trajectory is stable, indicating a consistent but extremely infrequent use. The name likely originated in Soviet Russia as a reversal of the name of Vladimir Lenin, reflecting a unique historical and political context. Its scarcity and unusual derivation make it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with a specific cultural and historical resonance.
Ninel is a relatively modern name, appearing in the Soviet era. It is widely believed to be a reversal of the surname Lenin (from Vladimir Lenin), created as a Soviet-era honorific. The name likely emerged in the early 20th century, though its exact first use is unclear. It remains uncommon outside of Russia and former Soviet states.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nina, Nelya, Nela
Variants: Ninel', Ninelle
Sibling names for Ninel
Names that share Ninel's style, for a brother or sister.
