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Nalina

♀ Girl

Pronounced nuh-LEE-nuh /nəˈli.nə/Medium

Meaning: Nalina may draw on the Sanskrit nalina, 'lotus' (also 'tender, soft'), a poetic Indian image; it also reads as a modern -lina coinage. Routes uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A soft, flowering name: Nalina may mean 'lotus' in Sanskrit, or read as a modern coinage (said 'nuh-LEE-nuh'). Routes are uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowSanskrit, American

MeaningNalina may draw on the Sanskrit nalina, 'lotus' (also 'tender, soft'), a poetic Indian image; it also reads as a modern -lina coinage. Routes uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (2025)#7781 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births14 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 167

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Nalina may draw on the Sanskrit nalina, 'lotus' (also 'tender, soft'), a poetic Indian image; equally it reads as a fashionable modern -lina coinage. The routes are uncertain, which we note. Soft and flowering (said 'nuh-LEE-nuh').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. Rare, soft, and lyrical.

Did you know? Nalina may echo the Sanskrit for 'lotus' (also 'tender') — a gentle, flowering image — though it also reads as a modern -lina name, and its routes are uncertain, which we note (said 'nuh-LEE-nuh').

Overall data confidence 38%

References — Nalina — Possible Sanskrit 'lotus'; also modern coinage; routes uncertain

Variations

NaliniNaleenaNalyna

Nicknames

NaliLina

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Nalina…

Nadia— a like graceful N- choice

Selina— a like soft -lina name

Malina— a like flowing -lina pick

Layanna— a similarly popular pick

Ciana— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Nalina

By themeuncertain modern sanskrit nature-adjacent

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nalina mean?

Nalina may mean 'lotus' (also 'tender') in Sanskrit, or read as a modern coinage; the routes are uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Nalina?

It's said nuh-LEE-nuh /nəˈli.nə/ — three syllables, stress on the middle.

Is Nalina a boy or girl name?

Nalina is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Nalina?

Nalina is a rare name for girls in the U.S.