UK girl's name
Baani
A feminine name of Indian origin meaning "poetic expression" or "speech".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Baani is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Baani popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #869, with 42 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2024, with 42 births.
This profile covers 239 England and Wales registrations across 13 recorded years from 2011 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
Baani is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.
We estimate that about 238 living people in the UK are called Baani. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Baani ranked #869 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 42 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2024, when 42 girls were registered as Baani.
- • About 238 living people in the UK are estimated to have Baani as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#869
2024
Births in 2024
42
Latest year
Peak year
2024
42 births
Estimated living
238
2026
Meaning
What does Baani mean?
The name Baani has its roots in the Punjabi language, which is spoken primarily in the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, as well as in the Pakistani province of Punjab. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "bani," which means "speech" or "utterance."
In the Sikh tradition, the term "bani" refers to the sacred writings and teachings of the Sikh Gurus and other revered saints. The Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism, is often referred to as the "Baani" or the "Word."
The earliest known reference to the name Baani can be found in the writings of the Sikh Gurus, particularly Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, who lived from 1469 to 1539. Guru Nanak Dev frequently used the term "bani" in his teachings and compositions, emphasizing the importance of listening to and following the divine word.
One of the most famous historical figures with the name Baani was Bhai Baani, a renowned Sikh scholar and warrior who lived during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He was a devoted follower of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final human Guru of Sikhism, and played a crucial role in defending the Sikh faith during the turbulent times of Mughal persecution.
Another notable figure with the name Baani was Baani Singh, a Sikh warrior and military commander who fought alongside Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the powerful ruler of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. Baani Singh was known for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield.
In more recent times, Baani Rai was a prominent Punjabi writer and poet who lived from 1915 to 1984. Her works, which often explored themes of social justice and women's empowerment, have had a significant impact on Punjabi literature.
Baani Majithia, born in 1975, is a contemporary Punjabi singer and actress who has gained popularity for her contributions to the Punjabi music and film industry. Her distinctive voice and performances have earned her a dedicated fan base.
Throughout history, the name Baani has held a special significance within the Sikh community, representing the profound importance placed on the divine word and the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. It serves as a reminder of the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Punjabi people.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Baani over time
The chart below shows babies named Baani registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2011 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Baani, the clearest high point is 2024. The latest England and Wales figure is 42 births in 2024, compared with 42 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Baani by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Baani was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #1057 | 165 | 5 |
| 2010s | #3693 | 74 | 8 |
Related
Names similar to Baani
- Bethany 43,226
- Brooke 18,370
- Bella 14,112
- Bonnie 12,149
- Beatrice 11,306
- Bethan 7,968
- Beth 6,440
- Betsy 5,065
- Beatrix 4,317
- Billie 4,220
- Beau 3,231
- Bryony 3,167
FAQ
Baani: questions and answers
How popular is the name Baani in the UK right now?
In 2024, Baani was ranked #869 for girls in England and Wales, with 42 births registered.
When was Baani most popular?
The peak year on record was 2024, with 42 babies registered as Baani in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Baani?
A feminine name of Indian origin meaning "poetic expression" or "speech".
How many people are called Baani in the UK?
A total of 239 babies have been registered as Baani across the 13 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.