UK girl's name
Nahida
A feminine Arabic name meaning "tender plant" or "young sapling".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2016. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Nahida is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Nahida popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2016 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4763, with 4 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2004, with 15 births.
This profile covers 131 England and Wales registrations across 18 recorded years from 1996 to 2016. 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.
The latest count is about 27% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 130 living people in the UK are called Nahida. 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 2017 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Nahida ranked #4763 for girls in England and Wales in 2016, with 4 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2004, when 15 girls were registered as Nahida.
- • About 130 living people in the UK are estimated to have Nahida as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4763
2016
Births in 2016
4
Latest year
Peak year
2004
15 births
Estimated living
130
2026
Meaning
What does Nahida mean?
The name Nahida is of Arabic origin, derived from the word "nahida," which means "to rise" or "to awaken." It carries connotations of awakening, renewal, and growth.
The earliest recorded instances of the name Nahida can be traced back to the Middle Ages in the Arab world, particularly in regions like the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and the Levant. It was a name bestowed upon girls born during this era, reflecting the cultural and linguistic influences of the time.
In Islamic literature and poetry, the name Nahida has been used symbolically to represent the dawn, the rising sun, and the awakening of a new day. This metaphorical usage highlights the name's connection to the idea of rebirth and new beginnings.
One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Nahida was Nahida bint Al-Husayn, a notable Arab poet who lived in the 7th century. Her poetry celebrated the beauty of nature and the human experience, capturing the essence of the name's meaning.
Another prominent figure with this name was Nahida Riyad, an Egyptian feminist and writer who lived from 1898 to 1985. She was a pioneering advocate for women's rights and education in the Arab world, contributing significantly to social and intellectual movements of her time.
In the realm of literature, Nahida Sahar Khalil, an Iraqi novelist and poet born in 1934, made a lasting impact with her works exploring themes of identity, love, and the complexities of human relationships. Her writings resonated with readers across the Middle East and beyond.
Nahida Benomar, a Moroccan diplomat and politician born in 1952, has been a prominent figure in promoting peace and conflict resolution efforts on the international stage. She has served in various influential roles, including as the United Nations Special Envoy to Libya.
Nahida Khayyat, a Syrian artist and sculptor born in 1935, is renowned for her unique style and exploration of traditional Arabic calligraphy in her works. Her art has been exhibited globally, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions of the Arab world.
These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Nahida throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the tapestry of human civilization.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Nahida over time
The chart below shows babies named Nahida registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2016. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Nahida, the clearest high point is 2004. The latest England and Wales figure is 4 births in 2016, compared with 15 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Nahida by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Nahida 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | #4729 | 17 | 4 |
| 2000s | #2690 | 75 | 10 |
| 1990s | #1776 | 39 | 4 |
Related
Names similar to Nahida
- Niamh 20,347
- Nicole 19,687
- Natasha 15,578
- Nancy 12,607
- Naomi 12,199
- Natalie 10,885
- Nevaeh 7,869
- Nina 7,285
- Neve 7,180
- Natalia 7,099
- Nadia 6,032
- Nicola 4,927
FAQ
Nahida: questions and answers
How popular is the name Nahida in the UK right now?
In 2016, Nahida was ranked #4763 for girls in England and Wales, with 4 births registered.
When was Nahida most popular?
The peak year on record was 2004, with 15 babies registered as Nahida in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Nahida?
A feminine Arabic name meaning "tender plant" or "young sapling".
How many people are called Nahida in the UK?
A total of 131 babies have been registered as Nahida across the 18 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.