Nala

“successful”

Swahili-speaking regions origin · popularized by the character Nala in Disney's 'The Lion King

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#846US 2023

319Births / yr

↓Falling

4.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 197900.03% of births at peak

How to pronounce Nala

NAH·LAH

/ˈnɑ.ˈlɑ/ · stress on NAH · 2 syllables

“successful”

Swahili-speaking regions origin · Girl name

What does Nala mean and where does it come from?

Nala is a name of Swahili origin meaning 'successful' and was popularized by the character Nala in Disney's 'The Lion King.' The usage of Nala in modern Western culture has surged since the film's release in 1994. In addition to the Swahili meaning, in Sanskrit, Nala refers to 'the stem of a tree,'

Cultural significance

Nala has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Swahili-speaking regions-speaking communities, where it reflects values of successful.

Peak popularity

Reached #681 in 2019 — currently #846 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Nala?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Nahla

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Nala?

Nala works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Nala Grace

How popular is Nala right now?

Declining — down 43 spots — currently #846 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#846 · Top 0.62%

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#846	319	▼ down 43 · -9% births
2022	#803	351	▼ down 61 · -9% births
2021	#742	384	▼ down 49 · -4% births
2020	#693	402	▲ up 257 · +41% births
2015	#950	286	▲ up 746 · +131% births
2010	#1696	124	▲ up 775 · +75% births
2005	#2471	71	▲ up 372 · +39% births
2000	#2843	51	▼ down 1116 · -40% births
1995	#1727	85	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Nala

Best Year2020Rank #693

Peak Count402

Average Rank#1419

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1995 - 20239 years

The story of Nala

Nala is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1979. With 4,369 total births recorded, Nala remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1727 in 1995 to #846 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Nala in 2019:

Olivia Emma Ava Sophia Isabella

Nala by decade

Nala peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	5
1990s	320
2000s	819
2010s ★	2,823
2020s	402

💎With 4,369 total births, Nala is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Nala?

Common

NalNalieNaly

What names sound and feel like Nala?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nala also consider these

Native American · star

Nayla

Arabic · achiever, one who

Bala

Arabic · A Arabic name

How is Nala written in other languages?

नल

Sanskrit

Common questions about the name Nala

What does the name Nala mean?

Nala means "successful" — a name rooted in Swahili-speaking regions 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 Nala?

Nala is currently ranked #846 as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Nala?

Nala originates from Swahili-speaking regions tradition. Swahili-speaking regions 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 Nala?

Nala is a two-syllable name pronounced N AA1 L AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Nala a common or rare name?

Nala is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.