Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Nila
GirlSanskrit, Hindi· “dark blue”
- Meaning
- dark blue
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- NEE-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,754
- US babies 2025
- 116
- Best rank
- #567 (1935)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Nila
Nila is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “dark blue”.
Nila comes from the Sanskrit nīla, meaning dark blue, a color often linked in Indian tradition with the sky, deep water and certain deities, including Krishna. The word is also used for sapphire and indigo. Nila has long been used as a given name in India and among Tamil-speaking families, where it can also mean moon. In English it is usually pronounced NEE-luh. The name is short, soft and colorful, and it fits well with the trend toward nature and color names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Neala.
Popularity over time
Nila first appears in US Social Security records in 1890. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 37 different years, starting in 1891. Its best national rank was #567 in 1935, and the most babies received it in 2022, when 144 were named Nila. In 2025, 116 babies were named Nila, and it ranked #1,754 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #929 in 1920, #1,035 in 1950, #4,259 in 1980, #3,499 in 2000, #2,863 in 2010, and #1,754 in 2025. Of the 7,136 US girls named Nila since records began, 15% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 944 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Zya, Kapri, Aiza, Yelena, and Naia.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nila ranked highest in Washington, New Jersey, and Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | #791 | 8 |
| New Jersey | #826 | 9 |
| Virginia | #912 | 8 |
| North Carolina | #1242 | 7 |
| California | #1263 | 20 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Nila is usually pronounced NEE-luh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with N and ends in “-la”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Neala.
Middle names for Nila
A few middle names that flow with Nila: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nila
Similar names
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MEER-uh
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Lists that include Nila
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nila mean?
Nila is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “dark blue”.
What is the origin of the name Nila?
Nila has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Nila comes from the Sanskrit nīla, meaning dark blue, a color often linked in Indian tradition with the sky, deep water and certain deities, including Krishna.
Is Nila a popular name?
Not especially. Nila ranked #1,754 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Nila a boy or girl name?
Nila is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Nila?
Nila is usually pronounced NEE-luh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings