What does Anil mean and where does it come from?
Anil is a name of Indian origin derived from the Sanskrit word for 'air' or 'wind'. It holds cultural significance in Hindu mythology, associated with the deity Hanuman who is known for his strength and wind-like agility. The name has been in use for many centuries and remains popular in various com
Cultural significance
Anil has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the wind..
Peak popularity
Reached #1386 in 1974 — currently #8248 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Anil?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Anil?
Anil works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Anil Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Anil Rose
Floral · soft ending
Anil Claire
French influence · crisp
Anil Jane
Literary · strong
Anil Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Anil right now?
Falling — down 448 spots — currently #8248 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2010 | #7675 | 10 | ▼ down 448 |
| 2005 | #7227 | 10 | ▼ down 4127 · -64% births |
| 2000 | #3100 | 28 | ▲ up 42 · +27% births |
| 1995 | #3142 | 22 | ▼ down 1109 · -41% births |
| 1990 | #2033 | 37 | ▼ down 132 · +19% births |
| 1985 | #1901 | 31 | ▼ down 150 · -6% births |
| 1980 | #1751 | 33 | ▼ down 326 · -15% births |
| 1975 | #1425 | 39 | ▲ up 1176 · +179% births |
| 1970 | #2601 | 14 | ▲ up 161 · +40% births |
| 1965 | #2762 | 10 | ▲ up 883 · +43% births |
| 1960 | #3645 | 7 | — |
The story of Anil
Anil entered American naming records in 1959 and has been in use for over 65 years. With 1,152 total births recorded, Anil remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3645 in 1960, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7675 in 2010.
Names that peaked alongside Anil in 1974:
Anil by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 9 | |
| 1960s | 86 | |
| 1970s | 276 | |
| 1980s ★ | 333 | |
| 1990s | 260 | |
| 2000s | 133 | |
| 2010s | 55 | |
💎With 1,152 total births, Anil is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Anil?
What names sound and feel like Anil?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Anil also consider these
How is Anil written in other languages?
Nepali), অনিল
Bengali), ਅਨਿਲ (Gurmukhi), અનિલ (Gujarati), అనిల్ (Telugu), ಅನಿಲ್ (Kannada), അനിൽ (Malayalam), அனில் (Tamil
What are the girl versions of Anil?
Common questions about the name Anil
What does the name Anil mean?
Anil means "The wind." — a name rooted in India tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Anil?
Anil is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Anil?
Anil originates from India tradition. India names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Anil?
Anil is a two-syllable name pronounced AE1 N IH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Anil a common or rare name?
Anil is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.