What does Nisha mean and where does it come from?
The name Nisha originates from Sanskrit, where it means 'night'. It is commonly used in India and Nepal and is often given to girls born at night. Nisha is also a popular name in Hindi-speaking regions, where it carries the same meaning. The name emphasizes beauty and mystery, akin to the night sky.
Cultural significance
Nisha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of night.
Peak popularity
Reached #1236 in 1984 — currently #9432 in the US.
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Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Nisha?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Nisha?
Nisha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Nisha Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Nisha Rose
Floral · soft ending
Nisha Mae
Sweet · timeless
Nisha Claire
French influence · crisp
Nisha Jane
Literary · strong
Nisha Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Nisha right now?
Falling — down 3676 spots — currently #9432 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9432 | 11 | ▼ down 3676 · -50% births |
| 2022 | #5756 | 22 | ▲ up 3086 · +83% births |
| 2021 | #8842 | 12 | ▼ down 1599 · -20% births |
| 2020 | #7243 | 15 | ▲ up 1311 · +15% births |
| 2015 | #8554 | 13 | ▼ down 4339 · -63% births |
| 2010 | #4215 | 35 | ▼ down 734 · -19% births |
| 2005 | #3481 | 43 | ▼ down 1163 · -36% births |
| 2000 | #2318 | 67 | ▼ down 550 · -18% births |
| 1995 | #1768 | 82 | ▼ down 104 · -8% births |
| 1990 | #1664 | 89 | ▼ down 236 |
| 1985 | #1428 | 89 | ▲ up 256 · +31% births |
| 1980 | #1684 | 68 | ▲ up 408 · +62% births |
| 1975 | #2092 | 42 | ▲ up 836 · +75% births |
| 1970 | #2928 | 24 | — |
The story of Nisha
Nisha is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1961. With 2,916 total births recorded, Nisha remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2928 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9432 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Nisha in 1984:
Nisha by decade
Nisha peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 59 | |
| 1970s | 457 | |
| 1980s ★ | 846 | |
| 1990s | 803 | |
| 2000s | 520 | |
| 2010s | 216 | |
| 2020s | 15 | |
💎With 2,916 total births, Nisha is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Nisha?
What names sound and feel like Nisha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nisha also consider these
How is Nisha written in other languages?
Nepali), ನಿಶಾ
Kannada), നിഷാ (Malayalam), நிஷா (Tamil), నిషా (Telugu), નિશા (Gujarati), নিশা (Bengali
Common questions about the name Nisha
What does the name Nisha mean?
Nisha means "night" — 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 Nisha?
Nisha is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Nisha?
Nisha 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 Nisha?
Nisha is a two-syllable name pronounced N AY1 SH AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Nisha a common or rare name?
Nisha is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.