Top 124 Nepali Names For Your Baby

Welcoming a new baby is a moment filled with and anticipation, and choosing the right name is one of the first significant decisions parents face.

In Nepal, as in many parts of the world, names carry deep historical and cultural significance. They reflect the values and natural beauty of , with meanings symbolizing beauty, wisdom, peace, and the elements of nature like the sun, moon, and stars. This list of baby names offers a wide selection, catering to diverse tastes and cultural values, ideal for your newborn.

Names in Nepal are often selected for their meaningful connotations, reflecting the family’s hopes and dreams for the child. They may signify qualities such as strength, beauty, or , or be inspired by the country’s stunning natural environment and its spiritual heritage.

Whether you’re seeking a girl’s name that represents ‘everlasting beauty’ or a boy’s name meaning ”, this list provides a rich palette to choose from. Each name not only gifts the child with a unique identity but also connects them to their cultural roots, offering a sense of belonging and pride.

Nepali Girl Names

Choosing a name for a in Nepal often involves finding something that is both beautiful and meaningful. Popular choices like Anushka, which means ‘ray of light’, and Manisha, meaning ‘wisdom’, reflect the culture’s values and the natural beauty of the country. This section on Nepali provides a look at such names, their meanings, and their significance in Nepali culture.

1. Aadya (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘first power’, ‘perfect’, ‘first creator’, or ‘the beginning’. It is also another name for the goddess Durga.

2. Aastha (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘faith’, or ‘support’.

3. Anisha (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘supreme’.

4. Anushka (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘graceful’, ‘easy’.

5. Aradhana (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘worship’.

6. Arunima (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘glow of dawn’.

7. Bhawana (Sanskrit Origin): means ’emotion’.

8. Bhumika (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘earth’.

9. Bipana (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘coral’.

10. Chameli (Hindi Origin): means ‘jasmine flower’.

11. Chandni (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘moonlight’.

12. Deepika (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘little lamp’.

13. Diksha (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘consecration’.

14. Gita (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘song’.

15. Indira (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘beauty’, or ‘splendor’.

16. Jyoti (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘light’.

17. Kabita (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘poem’.

18. Kalpana (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘imagination’, ‘creativity’.

19. Kamala (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘lotus’.

20. Kanchan (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘gold’.

21. Kiran (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘ray of light’.

22. Kopila (Nepali Origin): means ‘flower bud’.

23. Kriti (Sanskrit Origin): means ”, ‘work of art’.

24. Lalita (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘playful’, or ‘charming’.

25. Laxmi (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘goddess of wealth’.

26. Leela (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘divine play’.

27. Madhuri (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘sweet’, or ‘melodious’.

28. Mallika (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘jasmine’.

29. Manisha (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘wise’.

30. Meera (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘prosperous’.

31. Nandini (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘daughter’, ‘one who gives joy’.

32. Neha (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘love’, ‘affection’.

33. Nisha (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘night’.

34. Poonam (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘full moon’.

35. Prachi (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘east’, or ‘eastern direction’.

36. Pratiksha (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘awaiting’.

37. Priya (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘beloved’.

38. Rachana (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘creation’, or ‘composition’.

39. Radha (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘prosperity’.

40. Rajani (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘night’.

41. Rati (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘love’, or ‘desire’.

42. Riya (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘singer’.

43. Roshni (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘light’.

44. Sadhana (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘realization’, and also ‘accomplishment’.

45. Sarita (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘river’.

Nepali Boy Names

Selecting a name for a newborn boy in Nepal often involves choosing one that represents qualities like strength, resilience, and leadership. These names mirror the aspirations parents have for their sons. This section on Nepali boy names offers an overview of these names, focusing on their meanings and significance within Nepali culture.

46. Aarav (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘peaceful.

47. Aayush (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘long life’, ‘lifespan’.

48. Abhinav (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘new’, or ‘young’.

49. Anil (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘air’, ‘wind’.

50. Bibek (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘conscience’, ”, or ‘discretion’.

51. Bikash (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘development’, or ‘progress’.

52. Bishal (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘huge’, or ‘enormous’.

53. Diwash (Nepali Origin): means ‘sun’.

54. Gaurav (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘pride’, ‘honor’.

55. Himal (Nepali Origin): means ‘snow-covered mountain’.

56. Ishwar (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘god’, ‘supreme being’.

57. Jeevan (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘life’.

58. Kiran (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘beam of light’, ‘ray’.

59. Karma (Sanskrit and Tibetan Origin): means ‘deed’, ‘fate’.

60. Kushal (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘happy’, or ‘skillful’.

61. Manish (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘wise’, or ‘intelligent’.

62. Milan (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘union’, ‘meeting’.

63. Nima (Tibetan Origin): means ‘sun’.

64. Nischal (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘determined’, or ‘certain’.

65. Pasang (Tibetan Origin): means ‘born on Friday’.

66. Prajwal (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘bright’, or ‘radiant’.

67. Pratik (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘image’, ‘reflection’.

68. Rahul (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘able’, and ‘capable’.

69. Rohan (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘ascending’.

70. Sagar (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘ocean’.

71. Samir (Arabic Origin): means ‘companion in evening talk’.

72. Sanjay (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘victorious’.

73. Santosh (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘contentment’, ‘satisfaction’.

74. Saroj (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘lotus’.

75. Shiva (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘seven’ and is also the name of one of the deities in Hinduism.

76. Shrijan (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘creation’.

77. Siddhartha (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘one who has accomplished a goal’, or ‘he who has found meaning (of existence)’.

78. Sonam (Tibetan Origin): means ‘fortunate’.

79. Subash (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘good speech’.

80. Sujan (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘good-hearted’.

81. Suman (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘flower’.

82. Sunil (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘very blue’.

83. Suraj (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘sun’.

84. Surya (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘sun’.

85. Tenzing (Tibetan Origin): means ‘holder of the teachings’.

86. Tshering (Tibetan Origin): means ‘long life’.

87. Ujjwal (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘bright’, ‘clear’.

88. Umesh (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘lord Shiva, lord of Uma’.

89. Utsav (Sanskrit Origin): means ”.

90. Yogesh (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘lord of yoga’.

Nepali Last Names

Nepali carry deep cultural and familial significance, often rooted in , occupation, or notable ancestry. This section provides an overview of common Nepali last names, exploring their origins and meanings.

91. Acharya (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘teacher’.

92. Adhikari (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘officer’ or ‘minister’.

93. Bajracharya (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘teacher of the indestructible nature of the mind’.

94. Baniya (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘merchant’.

95. Baral (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘berry tree’.

96. Basnet (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘bamboo’.

97. Bhandari (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘treasurer’ or ‘storekeeper’.

98. Bhattarai (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘priest’ or ‘scholar’.

99. Chaudhary (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘holder of four’.

100. Chhetri (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘ruler’ or ‘king’.

101. Hamal (Persian Origin): means ‘porter’ or ‘carrier’.

102. Joshi (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘astrologer’, or ‘astronomer’.

103. Karki (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘military officer’.

104. Khadka (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘sword’.

105. Koirala (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘lap’.

106. Lama (Tibetan Origin): means ‘priest’, ‘monk’.

107. Pandey (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘scholar’.

108. Panta (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘descendant’.

109. Pradhan (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘chief’ or ‘prime’.

110. Rai (Tibeto-Burman Origin): means ‘king’.

111. Rajbhandari (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘royal treasurer’.

112. Rana (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘king’.

113. Raut (Maithili Origin): means ‘landlord’, or ‘chief’.

114. Regmi (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘king of kings’.

115. Rijal (Arabic Origin): means ‘man’.

116. Sharma (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘joy’, ‘shelter, or ‘comfort’.

117. Shahi (Persian Origin): means ‘kingly’ or ‘royal’.

118. Shrestha (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘best’ or ‘excellent’.

119. Subedi (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘one with good fame’.

120. Tamrakar (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘coppersmith’.

121. Thakur (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘lord’ or ‘master’.

122. Tiwari (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘priest’ or ‘scholar’.

123. Upreti (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘one who has completed a vow’.

124. Yadav (Sanskrit Origin): means ‘descended from Yadu’.

FAQs

What influences the choice of names for Nepali babies?

Nepali baby names are deeply influenced by Hindu and Buddhist traditions, drawing heavily from the Sanskrit and Pali languages. The naming ceremony, known as ‘Nwaran’, is usually held on the eleventh day after a boy’s birth, during which an astrologer determines an auspicious starting letter for the baby’s name based on astrological charts. Factors such as geography, ethnicity, and language also significantly influence naming practices in Nepal.

Are there specific traditions or preferences in naming Nepali babies?

While there are no rigid guidelines, names given to Nepali babies often reflect the cultural virtues and aspirations specific to each gender. Names for boys often denote attributes like strength, valor, and leadership, with inspiration frequently drawn from figures in Hindu mythology such as Ram and Krishna. Conversely, girls’ names tend to symbolize qualities like beauty, elegance, and moral virtues, with names such as Sita, Gita, and Laxmi being favored.

How do Nepali surnames reflect an individual’s heritage?

In Nepal, often denote the individual’s caste or ethnic background, providing insights into their ancestry and social standing. Surnames like Pant and Bista are indicative of Brahmin origins in western Nepal, whereas surnames such as Pande, Thapa, and Bhasnet are associated with the historically significant Rana dynasty.

Occupational surnames, such as Kami (smith) and Shrestha (of higher status), are also prevalent. Additionally, Nepali names may incorporate elements from nature, literature, and contemporary culture.

Do naming conventions vary across Nepal’s diverse ethnic groups and regions?

With over 100 distinct ethnic groups, Nepal is a mosaic of unique languages, traditions, and naming customs. Newari names, for instance, carry specific meanings and are traditionally passed through generations. Sherpa names, reflecting Tibetan heritage, include Dawa (moon) and Pasang (born on Friday). Other communities like the Tharu, Magar, and Gurung have their own distinctive naming practices that celebrate their cultural identities.

How can I pick a meaningful name for my baby in Nepali culture?

To select a meaningful Nepali name for your child, consider the cultural and familial heritage, the virtues you hope your child embodies, and significant qualities such as strength, intelligence, or beauty. Engage with family elders or religious figures for their insight, or use online resources to discover names and their meanings. This approach ensures the chosen name carries a deep significance reflective of your aspirations and heritage.

Is it acceptable to choose a modern or unique name for my baby in Nepali culture?

Yes, modern and are increasingly popular among Nepali parents who prefer names that are both phonetically appealing and easy to pronounce. To craft a distinctive name, you can merge traditional elements, or seek inspiration from the natural world, literary works, or personal life stories. It’s important to consider cultural nuances and the potential implications a non-traditional name might have for your child, aiming for a balance between uniqueness and cultural respect.

How do I navigate family traditions and personal preferences when naming my baby?

Balancing family traditions with personal choices involves open dialogue and compromise with your family members. One strategy is to use a more conventional name as a middle name while selecting a first name that aligns with your personal taste yet has traditional roots. The final decision rests with the parents and should prioritize the child’s welfare and identity. Engaging in this thoughtful process allows for a name that reflects both familial heritage and individual preferences.

Choosing a Nepali name for your baby connects them to a rich heritage and carries meaningful wishes for their future. This guide has shown the wide range of beautiful names, influenced by traditions, nature, and virtues. As you decide on the perfect name, remember it’s not just a name; it’s a gift of identity, linking your child to their roots and the values you hope to see in them as they grow.