Nirvana Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The word 'Nirvana' comes from the Sanskrit term meaning 'blowing out' or 'quenching'. It signifies a state of liberation and enlightenment in various spiritual traditions. The term evolved through several languages, including Pali and Prakrit. It is often associated with peace and transcendence, lacking any biblical relevance. The concept gained traction in the West during the 19th century amid a growing interest in Eastern philosophies.
The name Nirvana is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Nirvana has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Nirvana' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 18910th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 11010th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8891st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5127th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2224th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Nirvana' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Nirvana"
Pronunciation
/nɪrˈvɑː.nə/
Origin
Sanskrit
Etymology
The term 'Nirvana' originates from the Sanskrit word 'निर्वाण' (Nirvāṇa), which means 'blowing out' or 'quenching'. In its philosophical context, it refers to the extinction of desire, suffering, and sense of self.
Meaning
extinction, liberation, enlightenment
Language Evolution
Sanskrit: निर्वाण (Nirvāṇa), Pali: นิพพาน (Nibbāna), Prakrit: निवाण (Nivāṇa)
Historical Usage
The term gained popularity in the Western world during the 19th century, especially as interest in Eastern religions and philosophies grew.
Variants & Derivatives
Nirvanic, Nirvān, Nirvana
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary culture, 'Nirvana' is often associated with peace, transcendence, and a state of perfect happiness. It is also widely recognized due to the influence of the rock band Nirvana, which has contributed to its modern image.
Famous People
Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl
Explore More Nirvana Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Nirvana"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Nirvana"
"Nirvana" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 18910th of 23106 | 12 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 11010th of 19264 | 36 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8891st of 27321 | 117 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5127th of 35406 | 400 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2224th of 30306 | 1,005 |
Regional Popularity of "Nirvana" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Nirvana" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
83.08% 5248th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
62.45% 3225th/5164 |
77.22% 5647th/7313 |
43.84% 3272nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
60.59% 2414th/3984 |
64.07% 2875th/4487 |
32.94% 2247th/6822 |
29.40% 1845th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Nirvana"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Nirvana" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.