Nala
Girl name · 14 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Nala: 14 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 2020.
Of African origin, Nala is a name that appears in several Bantu languages, most notably in Swahili where it means "successful" or "beloved". It also features in Zulu and Xhosa, carrying similar connotations of prosperity and affection. The name gained widespread recognition through Disney's *The Lion King*, where Nala is the courageous lioness and childhood friend of Simba. This cultural touchstone has made the name familiar to millions, though it remains relatively rare in Scotland. Nala shares its root with the Swahili word *nala* meaning "gift", and it is sometimes considered a short form of longer African names. The name's melodic two-syllable sound and positive meaning have contributed to its gentle rise in popularity among Scottish parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible.
Girl 4 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20205 babies
- Latest (2023)
- #7493 babies
- Total births
- 14since 2017
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y