Nala
How to say it: NAH-luh · /ˈnɑlə/
In Zulu/Sotho means 'successful' or 'beloved'; in Sanskrit means 'stem'. Widely popularized by The Lion King.
Nala was the 739th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 317 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are steady over ten years, and it is projected to slip to #827 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #739 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 317 |
| Share of births | 1 in 9,526 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | steady |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #827 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,126 among girls’ names, 20 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Almost entirely a recent name, Nala rose fast to reach its best in the 2020s. A modest fall is probable after this high.
What goes with it
Light with liquid sounds, Nala feels smooth and warm. Zara makes a natural companion in style.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Nala is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Hindi.
In France: #1,126 for girls in 2025.
Good to know
- Nala, Simba's mate and queen in Disney's The Lion King (1994); dominant association
Keep exploring
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