Nihal
Boy name · 11 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Nihal: 11 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 4 births in 2008.
Originating from Arabic, Nihal stems from *nahal*, meaning "to drink" or "quenching thirst," and in Turkish it evokes the image of a "seedling." The name also appears in South Asian contexts as a variant of Nihal, carrying the meanings "happy" or "prosperous." Among notable bearers, British broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake, known for presenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, brings a modern, media-savvy association to the name. While no major place bears the name, its gentle meanings of refreshment and growth give it a natural, hopeful feel. A notable variant is Nihaal, popular in Punjabi and Sikh communities, often used with the same connotations of joy and well-being. With its cross-cultural roots and soft sound, Nihal offers a distinctive yet accessible choice for parents drawn to names with positive symbolism.
Boy 3 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20084 babies
- Latest (2017)
- #6024 babies
- Total births
- 11since 2008
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y