Nandi

♀ Girl

Pronounced NAHN-dee /ˈnɑn.di/Medium

Meaning: As a girl's name, Nandi is best known from the Zulu/Nguni Nandi, glossed 'sweet' or 'of high esteem' — the name of Queen Nandi, mother of Shaka Zulu. Separately, in Hindu tradition Nandi is the sacred bull who serves as Shiva's mount and gatekeeper. We note both senses honestly.Low

In 30 seconds: A name of esteem: Nandi means 'sweet, of high esteem' in Zulu, the name of Shaka Zulu's mother (said 'NAHN-dee'). We note the heritage.

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Origin MediumZulu, Sanskrit

MeaningAs a girl's name, Nandi is best known from the Zulu/Nguni Nandi, glossed 'sweet' or 'of high esteem' — the name of Queen Nandi, mother of Shaka Zulu. Separately, in Hindu tradition Nandi is the sacred bull who serves as Shiva's mount and gatekeeper. We note both senses honestly.

U.S. rank (2025)#7046 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births16 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1991

Total births (all-time)≈ 857

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

As a girl's name, Nandi is best known from Zulu/Nguni, where it is glossed 'sweet' or 'of high esteem' and famously borne by Queen Nandi, mother of Shaka Zulu. In Hindu tradition, Nandi is separately the sacred bull, Shiva's mount and gatekeeper. We note both senses honestly (said 'NAHN-dee').

For girls it appears only rarely in the U.S. Rare, heritage-rich, and strong.

Did you know? Nandi was the name of Queen Nandi, mother of Shaka Zulu, glossed 'sweet' or 'of high esteem'; in Hindu tradition Nandi is also the sacred bull who is Shiva's mount — we note both senses (said 'NAHN-dee').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Nandi — Zulu 'sweet, of high esteem' (Queen Nandi); Hindu sacred bull — both senses noted

Variations

NandyNandieNande

Nicknames

NanAndi

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Nandi…

Amara— a like African heritage name

Zola— a like strong Nguni name

Nadia— a like graceful N- choice

Nala— another Sanskrit name

Rani— another Sanskrit name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nandi mean?

Nandi is Zulu for 'sweet' or 'of high esteem,' borne by Shaka Zulu's mother; in Hindu tradition Nandi is also Shiva's sacred bull — we note both senses.

How do you pronounce Nandi?

It's said NAHN-dee /ˈnɑn.di/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Nandi a boy or girl name?

Nandi is used here as a girl's name; note the Hindu sacred bull Nandi is a separate, masculine figure.

How popular is Nandi?

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