Nihal
22% girls · 78% boys
About Nihal
Nihal is a feminine name with rich multicultural origins. In Arabic, it means 'achieving success' or 'reaching one's goals,' while in Sanskrit and Hindi, it translates to 'morning dew' or 'joy.' The name also appears in Turkish culture with connotations of happiness and prosperity. Though traditionally used for both genders in some cultures, it's increasingly popular as a girl's name in Western countries. Nihal's global appeal stems from its melodic sound, positive meanings, and cross-cultural versatility. While still relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has been steadily gaining recognition among parents seeking a name with international significance and a distinctive yet accessible sound.
Nihal for boys#2971 US
An Arabic boy name with an optimistic and upbeat meaning.
Pronounced nee-HAHL.
As of October 2026, Nihal ranked #8721 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #5747 in 2016.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #2,875 | 41 | 21.3 |
| 2015 | #2,899 | 41 | 21.4 |
| 2016 | #3,100 | 38 | 20 |
| 2017 | #3,174 | 37 | 20 |
| 2018 | #3,677 | 30 | 16.5 |
| 2019 | #3,406 | 34 | 18.9 |
| 2020 | #4,504 | 22 | 12.7 |
| 2021 | #3,106 | 39 | 22.3 |
| 2022 | #4,255 | 25 | 14.3 |
| 2023 | #3,599 | 32 | 18.7 |
| 2024 | #3,024 | 41 | 23.8 |
| 2025 | #2,971 | 42 | 24.6 |