Nihal
Meaning: Purpose, brightness, radiance
Origin: Swahili/Welsh/Irish
Gender: Unisex
Rank in Sweden: #3377
Total births: 56
History: Parish registers in Sälen show Nihal rising alongside the Kalmar Union that once united Scandinavia. The name evokes windswept coastal heaths of Halland and the communal joy of Nobel Prize ceremony celebrations. Swedish families see Nihal as a symbol of tålamod — the patience of long Nordic winters.
Explore more at Swedish Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Sweden’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2022) | #2186 |
| Babies named Nihal in 2022 | 2 |
| Total recorded in Sweden | 56 |
| Peak year | 2019 (10 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #666 |
| Years in records | 2008–2022 (14 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 587 spots |
| Gender breakdown | 11% boys / 89% girls |
Frequently asked about Nihal
What does the name Nihal mean?
Nihal means “Purpose, brightness, radiance” from Swahili/Welsh/Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Nihal?
Nihal has Swahili/Welsh/Irish origin. The traditional meaning is “Purpose, brightness, radiance”.
How popular is Nihal in Sweden?
Nihal ranked #2186 in Sweden in 2022 — given to 2 babies that year.
Is Nihal a boy or girl name?
Nihal is used for both boys and girls. In the records, about 11% of Nihals are boys and 89% are girls.
Is the name Nihal rising or falling in popularity?
Nihal has fallen 587 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Sweden — from #1599 in 2017 to #2186 in 2022.
How long has Nihal been recorded in Sweden?
Nihal appears in birth records in Sweden across 14 years — from 2008 through 2022.