UK name, mostly boys
Nihan
A feminine Turkish name meaning "flower bud" or "rose bud".
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.
Also recorded as a girls' name in the UK, with 28 girls.
Nihan is mostly registered for boys in the UK records. People looking for Nihan popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #2443, with 9 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2024, with 9 births.
This profile covers 38 England and Wales registrations across 8 recorded years from 2015 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.
Nihan is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.
We estimate that about 38 living people in the UK are called Nihan. 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
- • Nihan ranked #2443 for boys in England and Wales in 2024, with 9 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2024, when 9 boys were registered as Nihan.
- • Nihan is also recorded for girls, but the boys side is the larger UK variant in these records.
- • About 38 living people in the UK are estimated to have Nihan as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
- • Across the England and Wales records shown here, 57.6% of Nihan registrations are for boys.
Latest rank (E&W)
#2443
2024
Births in 2024
9
Latest year
Peak year
2024
9 births
Estimated living
38
2026
Gender
Boy and girl registrations for Nihan
In England and Wales birth records, Nihan has been registered for both boys and girls. Across the years shown here, 57.6% of registrations are for boys and 42.4% are for girls.
These figures use the sex categories in the published baby-name files. They are useful for spotting how the name is used at registration, but they are not a live measure of gender identity or everyone living with the name today.
Nihan registered for boys
- Ranked #2,443 in 2024
- 9 boys registered in 2024
- Peak: 2024 (9 births)
Nihan registered for girls
- Ranked #5,891 in 2024
- 3 girls registered in 2024
- Peak: 2023 (7 births)
Meaning
What does Nihan mean?
The name Nihan has its origins in the Persian language, tracing back to the Middle Persian era around the 3rd to 7th centuries CE. It is derived from the Persian word "nihan," which means "hidden" or "concealed." This name holds deep cultural significance in regions where Persian influence has been prominent, such as parts of Central Asia and the Middle East.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nihan can be found in ancient Persian literature, particularly in the epic poems of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, which dates back to the late 10th century CE. The name is mentioned in reference to characters and historical figures, reflecting its usage during that period.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nihan. One such example is Nihan Isgandarova (1916-1945), an Azerbaijani partisan and Soviet military leader who fought against Nazi forces during World War II. She was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for her bravery and sacrifices.
Another prominent figure is Nihan Hüseynova (1924-2003), an Azerbaijani artist and painter known for her contributions to the development of modern Azerbaijani art. Her works have been exhibited in various galleries and museums, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
In the realm of literature, Nihan Khatun (1753-1821) was a renowned Persian poet and calligrapher from the Qajar dynasty. Her poetic works, encompassing themes of love, spirituality, and the human experience, have been widely celebrated and studied.
Moving to the field of music, Nihan Devecioglu (1964-) is a Turkish singer and songwriter who has gained recognition for her unique blend of traditional Turkish music with modern influences. Her powerful vocals and captivating performances have earned her a dedicated following both in Turkey and abroad.
Lastly, Nihan Yucedag (1984-) is a contemporary Turkish actress known for her roles in various television series and films. Her talent and versatility have contributed to the growth and popularity of Turkish cinema on the international stage.
These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Nihan throughout history, each leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural diversity.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Nihan over time
The chart below compares boys and girls registered as Nihan in England and Wales, from 2015 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 Nihan, the clearest high point is 2024. The latest England and Wales figure is 9 births in 2024, compared with 9 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Nihan by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Nihan 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 | #3414 | 29 | 5 |
| 2010s | #4753 | 9 | 3 |
Related
Names similar to Nihan
- Noah 72,596
- Nathan 46,860
- Nicholas 15,983
- Nathaniel 12,151
- Niall 5,746
- Nicolas 3,825
- Nico 3,532
- Nate 2,029
- Nikodem 1,872
- Noel 1,865
- Ned 1,614
- Neo 1,563
FAQ
Nihan: questions and answers
How popular is the name Nihan in the UK right now?
In 2024, Nihan was ranked #2443 for boys in England and Wales, with 9 births registered.
When was Nihan most popular?
The peak year on record was 2024, with 9 babies registered as Nihan in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Nihan?
A feminine Turkish name meaning "flower bud" or "rose bud".
How many people are called Nihan in the UK?
A total of 38 babies have been registered as Nihan across the 8 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.