"blue, sapphire, indigo"
Origin: Sanskrit
Language: Sanskrit
Nila
Pronunciation: [ n-EEL-uh ]
Does Nila flow with your last name?
The sacred blue of lotus and sky, the glow of the Tamil moon
Indian
Sri Lankan
Tamil
Hindu
Sinhalese
Earthy
Elegant
Traditional
Gentle
Spiritual
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Nila
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Meaning & Origin
"moon"
Origin: Tamil
Language: Tamil
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The Story of Nila
Nila derives from the Sanskrit 'nila' (नील), meaning blue or dark blue, often associated with indigo or sapphire. In Sanskrit literature, 'nila' describes the deep blue of a lotus, the ocean, or the sky. The word also gives us 'nilam' (sapphire in several South Asian languages). In Tamil tradition, Nila means 'moon' as well. The name has been used in India and Sri Lanka for millennia.
Nila is a traditional name in South Asia, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, and Kerala. It has maintained steady use without major fluctuation. Its simple two-syllable form and beautiful meaning have made it appealing beyond South Asia.
In Hindu iconography, blue is a sacred color associated with divine figures — the god Vishnu and his avatar Krishna are depicted with blue or dark blue skin. The 'nila' color represents infinity, transcendence, and the divine. In Tamil culture, Nila as 'moon' adds another layer of gentle, luminous meaning.
Historical Record
Nila first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 4,006 babies have been named Nila in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Nila is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,673 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Sanskrit root nila gives the word 'indigo' to many Asian languages, and is connected to the word 'nil' (zero/nothing) via trade routes
- In Tamil, Nila means 'moon' — so the name carries both color and celestial meaning
- Lord Vishnu and Krishna's blue skin in Hindu iconography is described using the Sanskrit 'nila'
Nila in Other Languages
Hindi
नीला (Nila)
Tamil
நிலா (Nilā, moon)
Sinhala
නිල (Nila, blue)
Sanskrit
नील (Nila)
Popularity Over Time
#1,673
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Nila
N
Nila Madhab Panda
Writer
1968
Indian filmmaker and director known for award-winning films on environmental themes
N
Nila (Hindu mythology) Fictional
Other
Name of several female characters in Sanskrit epics, representing beauty and divine grace
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,673
- Total SSA Count
- 122
- Cultural Origins
- Indian Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu Sinhalese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ni
Nili
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Nila
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nila
What does the name Nila mean?
"blue, sapphire, indigo" (from Sanskrit). "moon" (from Tamil). Nila derives from the Sanskrit 'nila' (नील), meaning blue or dark blue, often associated with indigo or sapphire. In Sanskrit literature, 'nila' describes the deep blue of a lotus, the ocean, or the sky. The word also gives us 'nilam' (sapphire in several South Asian languages). In Tamil tradition, Nila means 'moon' as well. The name has been used in India and Sri Lanka for millennia.
What is the origin of the name Nila?
Nila has Sanskrit, Tamil, Indian, Sri Lankan, Hindu, and Sinhalese origins. In Sanskrit, it means "blue, sapphire, indigo". In Tamil, it means "moon".
Is Nila a boy or girl name?
Nila is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Nila?
Nila is pronounced n-EEL-uh.
How popular is the name Nila?
Nila is currently ranked #1673 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Nila?
Common nicknames for Nila include Nili.
What are good middle names for Nila?
Popular middle name pairings include Nila Priya, Nila Devi, Nila Maya, Nila Ananya, Nila Lakshmi, and Nila Grace.
What are good sibling names for Nila?
Names that pair well with Nila as siblings include Priya, Ananya, Kavya, Arjun, Kiran, and Surya.
How many syllables does Nila have?
Nila has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Nila a common or rare name?
Nila is an uncommon name, ranked #1673 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Nila?
Are there other spellings for Nila?
Related spellings include Nilah.
About the Name Nila
Nila is a girl name with Indian, Sri Lankan, Tamil, Hindu, and Sinhalese origins . The name means "blue, sapphire, indigo" in Sanskrit .
Nila is currently ranked #1,673 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Nila has 2 syllables and is pronounced n-EEL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Nila include Ni and Nili. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Nila include Nilah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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