"butterfly"
Origin: Korean word name
Language: Korean
Nabi
Pronunciation: [ n-AHB-ee ]
Does Nabi flow with your last name?
Korean for butterfly — delicate, transformative, and free
Korean
Japanese
Arabic (different meaning)
Whimsical
Gentle
Unique
Earthy
Modern
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"prophet (different word)"
Origin: Arabic 'nabi' — unrelated etymology
Language: Arabic
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Things to Know About This Name
- In Arabic, 'nabi' means 'prophet' and is typically masculine — may cause confusion in Arabic-speaking contexts
The Story of Nabi
Nabi (나비) is a Korean word meaning 'butterfly' — one of the most beloved nature images in Korean culture and poetry. Korean word names, like Nabi, Hana (flower), and Bom (spring), have been used as names for girls for centuries. The butterfly in Korean culture symbolizes transformation, beauty, freedom, and the brevity of life — a beloved motif in Korean folk art and poetry.
Nabi has been used as a Korean name for generations, though it sits outside the mainstream Korean name system (which tends toward hanja-based names). As Korean culture gains global visibility through K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cinema, Korean word names like Nabi have begun appealing to non-Korean parents as well.
The butterfly is a profound symbol in Korean and East Asian culture. In Korea, white butterflies are sometimes thought to be the spirits of the deceased returning to visit loved ones. The famous Zhuangzi dream (Chinese philosophy) — where Zhuangzi dreams he is a butterfly — makes the butterfly a symbol of transformation and the blurring of identity. As a girl's name, Nabi carries all this beautiful cultural weight.
Historical Record
Nabi first appeared in US Social Security records in 2021.
Over 64 babies have been named Nabi in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Nabi is a new entry on the US charts , currently ranked #4,920 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Korean folklore, if a butterfly enters your home, it brings good luck — making Nabi a particularly auspicious name
- The Korean word for butterfly '나비' has been used as a pet name and term of endearment in Korean culture for centuries
Nabi in Other Languages
Arabic
نبي (Nabi means prophet — different word, same spelling in Latin)
Korean
나비
Chinese
蝴蝶 (Húdié)
Spanish
Mariposa (butterfly)
Japanese
蝶 (Cho/Chou)
Popularity Over Time
#4,920
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
New Entry
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Nabi
N
Nabi (pet name)
Other
Traditional Korean endearment and pet name meaning butterfly, used in folk songs and poetry for centuries
N
Nabi (character) Fictional
Other
The cat protagonist in the Korean webtoon and anime 'My Dear Cat' (고양이와 개의 시간)
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,920
- Total SSA Count
- 27
- Cultural Origins
- Korean Japanese Arabic (different meaning)
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Nab
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, modern style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, whimsical style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, whimsical style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Nabi
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
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Also a Boy Name
Nabi is also used as a boy name, ranked #32721.
View Nabi as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nabi
What does the name Nabi mean?
"butterfly" (from Korean word name). "prophet (different word)" (from Arabic 'nabi' — unrelated etymology). Nabi (나비) is a Korean word meaning 'butterfly' — one of the most beloved nature images in Korean culture and poetry. Korean word names, like Nabi, Hana (flower), and Bom (spring), have been used as names for girls for centuries. The butterfly in Korean culture symbolizes transformation, beauty, freedom, and the brevity of life — a beloved motif in Korean folk art and poetry.
What is the origin of the name Nabi?
Nabi has Korean word name, Arabic 'nabi' — unrelated etymology, Korean, Japanese, and Arabic (different meaning) origins. In Korean word name, it means "butterfly". In Arabic 'nabi' — unrelated etymology, it means "prophet (different word)".
Is Nabi a boy or girl name?
Nabi is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4920. As a boy name, it is ranked #32721. Nabi is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Nabi?
Nabi is pronounced n-AHB-ee.
How popular is the name Nabi?
Nabi is currently ranked #4920 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Nabi?
Common nicknames for Nabi include Nab.
What are good middle names for Nabi?
Popular middle name pairings include Nabi Rose, Nabi Grace, Nabi Lynn, Nabi Soo, Nabi Ji, Nabi Mae, and Nabi Pearl.
What are good sibling names for Nabi?
Names that pair well with Nabi as siblings include Hana, Soo, Mina, Juno, Luna, Lark, and Wren.
How many syllables does Nabi have?
Nabi has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Nabi a common or rare name?
Nabi is an uncommon name, ranked #4920 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Nabi
Nabi is a girl name with Korean, Japanese, and Arabic (different meaning) origins . The name means "butterfly" in Korean word name .
Is Nabi a boy or girl name? Nabi is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,920 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #32,721. Nabi is more commonly used as a girl name.
Nabi is currently ranked #4,920 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Nabi has 2 syllables and is pronounced n-AHB-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Nabi include Nab. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis