Nishan

“a sign or symbol” — Represent a religious symbo

India origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#9494US 2023

8Births / yr

↓Falling

332All-time births

📅 Since 192400

How to pronounce Nishan

NEE·SHAN

/ˈniː.ˈʃæn/ · stress on NEE · 2 syllables

“a sign or symbol”

Represent a religious symbo · India origin

What does Nishan mean and where does it come from?

Nishan is a name that has different meanings in various cultures. In Indian culture, it can denote a sign, symbol, or emblem. In Armenian, the name translates to 'mark' or 'banner.' Notably, Nishan is commonly used in Punjabi culture and among the Sikh community as it can represent a religious symbo

Cultural significance

Nishan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a sign or symbol.

Peak popularity

Reached #4336 in 1924 — currently #9494 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Nishan?

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

Nishan Grace

How popular is Nishan right now?

Falling — down 3922 spots — currently #9494 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#9494 · Top 7.0%

1980

1985

1990

2000

2005

2010

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#9494	8	▼ down 3922 · -53% births
2022	#5572	17	▲ up 3865 · +113% births
2021	#9437	8	▼ down 676
2020	#8761	8	▼ down 4053 · -60% births
2010	#4708	20	▲ up 2016 · +82% births
2005	#6724	11	▲ up 2589 · +83% births
2000	#9313	6	▼ down 3824 · -33% births
1990	#5489	9	▲ up 1327 · +80% births
1985	#6816	5	▼ down 2174 · -37% births
1980	#4642	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Nishan

Best Year1980Rank #4642

Peak Count20

Average Rank#7096

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1980 - 202310 years

The story of Nishan

Nishan entered American naming records in 1924 and has been in use for over 100 years. With 332 total births recorded, Nishan remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4642 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9494 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Nishan in 1924:

Robert John William James Charles

Nishan by decade

Nishan peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	6
1970s	6
1980s	47
1990s	47
2000s	91
2010s ★	127
2020s	8

💎Nishan has only 332 total recorded births since 1924 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Nishan?

Common

NisNiIshan

What names sound and feel like Nishan?

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

India · meaning 'light' or

Nihan

Turkey · the name signifies

Ishan

India · ईशान (Ishān)

Common questions about the name Nishan

What does the name Nishan mean?

Nishan means "a sign or symbol" — 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 Nishan?

Nishan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Nishan?

Nishan 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 Nishan?

Nishan is a two-syllable name pronounced N IY1 SH AE1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Nishan a common or rare name?

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