Rising since 1985, #2,410 for girls today.
Popularity of Nirvana since 1973
Babies named Nirvana per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 31 |
| 1980s | 29 |
| 1990s | 149 |
| 2000s | 234 |
| 2010s | 651 |
| 2020s | 540 |
Meaning & origin
Nirvana entered U.S. birth records in 1973, but its popularity surged in the late 20th century, likely influenced by the grunge band Nirvana. The name reached its peak rank of 2,410 in 2022, and it has been on a rising trajectory since 1985. In 2025, the name was given to roughly 1 in 21,720 girls, with top states including Florida, California, and Texas. Despite its profound spiritual meaning, the name remains uncommon, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive, meaningful choice.
Nirvana comes from the Sanskrit word 'nirvāṇa' (निर्वाण), meaning 'blown out' or 'extinguished,' referring to the extinguishing of desire and suffering in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The name was adopted in the West largely due to the 1990s grunge band, but it has been used as a given name in the United States since at least 1973.
Where Nirvana is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nir, Vana
Variants: Nirvāṇa
Sibling names for Nirvana
Names that share Nirvana's style, for a brother or sister.
