NameCensus.

UK girl's name

Nawaal

A feminine Arabic name meaning "the gift of God".

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.

Nawaal is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Nawaal popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4843, with 4 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2004, with 11 births.

This profile covers 135 England and Wales registrations across 25 recorded years from 1996 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.

The latest count is about 36% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.

We estimate that about 134 living people in the UK are called Nawaal. 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

  • Nawaal ranked #4843 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 4 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 2004, when 11 girls were registered as Nawaal.
  • About 134 living people in the UK are estimated to have Nawaal as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#4843

2024

Births in 2024

4

Latest year

Peak year

2004

11 births

Estimated living

134

2026

Meaning

What does Nawaal mean?

Nawaal is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the word "nawal," which means "attainment" or "achievement." The name has its roots in the Arabic language and culture, dating back to ancient times.

In the historical context, the name Nawaal is believed to have been mentioned in some ancient Arabic texts and literary works, although specific references are difficult to confirm. It is possible that the name was used by early Arab scholars, poets, or other influential figures, reflecting the cultural significance of attaining knowledge and achievements.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Nawaal can be found in the chronicles of the Abbasid Caliphate, a powerful Islamic empire that ruled from the 8th to the 13th century. During this golden age of Islamic civilization, the name may have been associated with individuals who excelled in various fields, such as literature, science, or philosophy.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nawaal. One prominent figure was Nawaal al-Qasimi (1930-2020), a Kuwaiti writer and poet known for her contributions to modern Arabic literature. Her works explored themes of love, identity, and social issues, earning her acclaim both within the Arab world and internationally.

Another noteworthy person named Nawaal was Nawaal El Saadawi (1931-2021), an Egyptian feminist writer, activist, and physician. She was a pioneering voice in the fight for women's rights and gender equality, using her writings and activism to challenge societal norms and advocate for progressive change.

In the realm of sports, Nawaal El Moutawakel (born 1962) from Morocco made history as the first woman from an Islamic nation to win an Olympic gold medal. Her victory in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics was a significant achievement, inspiring women across the Arab world and beyond.

Another notable figure was Nawaal Al-Thani (1923-2008), a member of the Qatari royal family and a prominent philanthropist. She played an instrumental role in establishing educational institutions and promoting the advancement of women's rights in Qatar.

Finally, Nawaal Al-Sadawi (1943-2021) was an Iraqi artist celebrated for her contributions to contemporary Arab art. Her vibrant paintings and sculptures explored themes of identity, culture, and the human condition, earning her international recognition and numerous awards throughout her career.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Nawaal over time

The chart below shows babies named Nawaal registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 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 Nawaal, the clearest high point is 2004. The latest England and Wales figure is 4 births in 2024, compared with 11 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Nawaal
036811199620102024

Decades

Nawaal by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Nawaal 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 #4476 18 4
2010s #4109 50 10
2000s #3016 60 9
1990s #3513 7 2

Related

Names similar to Nawaal

FAQ

Nawaal: questions and answers

How popular is the name Nawaal in the UK right now?

In 2024, Nawaal was ranked #4843 for girls in England and Wales, with 4 births registered.

When was Nawaal most popular?

The peak year on record was 2004, with 11 babies registered as Nawaal in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Nawaal?

A feminine Arabic name meaning "the gift of God".

How many people are called Nawaal in the UK?

A total of 135 babies have been registered as Nawaal across the 25 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.