UK girl's name
Nishma
A feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "obedient" or "submissive".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 1998. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Nishma is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Nishma popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 1998 in this profile. In that release it ranked #3848, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 1997, with 6 births.
This profile covers 9 England and Wales registrations across 2 recorded years from 1997 to 1998. 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 50% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 9 living people in the UK are called Nishma. 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 1999 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Nishma ranked #3848 for girls in England and Wales in 1998, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 1997, when 6 girls were registered as Nishma.
- • About 9 living people in the UK are estimated to have Nishma as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#3848
1998
Births in 1998
3
Latest year
Peak year
1997
6 births
Estimated living
9
2026
Meaning
What does Nishma mean?
The name Nishma has its origins in the Sanskrit language, which is one of the oldest Indo-European languages spoken on the Indian subcontinent. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "nishamya," which means "to listen" or "to hear attentively." The name carries a deep spiritual significance, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism, where the ability to listen with presence and intention is considered a crucial aspect of self-awareness and enlightenment.
Nishma is closely associated with the ancient Hindu scriptures known as the Vedas, which are considered among the oldest religious texts in the world, dating back to around 1500 BCE. The name is mentioned in several verses of the Upanishads, a collection of philosophical texts that form part of the Vedas, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a receptive and attentive mind.
One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Nishma can be found in the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text that is part of the epic Mahabharata. In this seminal work, the name is used to personify the concept of active listening and mindfulness, serving as a reminder of the significance of being present and attentive in one's spiritual journey.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Nishma. One of the most famous was Nishma Devi, a revered Hindu saint and mystic who lived in the 16th century. She was renowned for her spiritual wisdom and her ability to inspire others through her teachings on the principles of mindfulness and self-realization.
Another prominent figure with the name Nishma was Nishma Rajan, an Indian classical dancer and choreographer who lived from 1923 to 2003. She was instrumental in preserving and promoting the traditional Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam and was widely celebrated for her graceful performances and dedication to the art.
In the realm of literature, Nishma Sharma (1949-2020) was a renowned Indian novelist and short story writer who explored themes of identity, feminism, and social issues in her works. Her novels, such as "Pavānavā" and "Antaralē," received critical acclaim and helped to elevate the status of women's writing in Hindi literature.
Nishma Avari (born 1971) is a notable figure in the field of architecture and urban design. She is the founder of Avari Architects, a renowned firm based in Mumbai, India, and has been recognized for her innovative and sustainable designs that seamlessly blend traditional elements with modern aesthetics.
Nishma Jethwani (born 1985) is a prominent Indian television actress who has appeared in several popular TV series and films. She is particularly known for her roles in shows like "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" and "Kundali Bhagya," where she has showcased her versatility as an actress.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Nishma over time
The chart below shows babies named Nishma registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1997 to 1998. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Nishma, the clearest high point is 1997. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 1998, compared with 6 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Nishma by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Nishma 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | #3130 | 9 | 2 |
Related
Names similar to Nishma
- 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
Nishma: questions and answers
How popular is the name Nishma in the UK right now?
In 1998, Nishma was ranked #3848 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Nishma most popular?
The peak year on record was 1997, with 6 babies registered as Nishma in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Nishma?
A feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "obedient" or "submissive".
How many people are called Nishma in the UK?
A total of 9 babies have been registered as Nishma across the 2 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.