Nandini
Meaningone who delights · Sanskrit
Nandini is an Indian girl name meaning “one who delights”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Nandini has the name Andi hiding inside it.
- GenerationNandini peaked in 2006, which makes it a Gen Z name. The typical Nandini you'd meet today is about 19 years old.
- Roll callIn a typical school of 500 kids, your Nandini would very likely be the only one. About 1 in 67,114 baby girls got the name in 2025.
- HistoryNandini first shows up in US birth records in 1973, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 52 years since.
US births per million girls, 1973–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Nandini
Nandini is a girl name of Indian origin meaning “one who delights”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It hit its peak in the 2000s and is climbing again now. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Indian names
More Indian girl names
- Girl name: Maya · illusion
- Girl name: Lyla · night
- Unisex name: Arya · noble
- Girl name: Kali · black
- Girl name: Serena · calm, serene
- Girl name: Mira · wonderful
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Unisex name: Veda · knowledge
Questions about the name Nandini
What does the name Nandini mean?
Nandini means “one who delights” and comes from Sanskrit.
What is the origin of the name Nandini?
Nandini is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Maya (“illusion”), Lyla (“night”), Arya (“noble”) and Kali (“black”).
Is Nandini a boy or girl name?
Nandini is a girl name. In 2025, 24 US girls were named Nandini.
How popular is the name Nandini?
Nandini ranked #5,238 for US girls in 2025, given to 24 babies. Its best year was 2006, when it reached #3,017. Over the last five years it has climbed 1,974 places.
What should I know before naming my baby Nandini?
Nandini is an Indian girl name meaning “one who delights”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.