Nawab
A boy's name of Arabic origin with 30 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Nawab is a two-syllable boy's name with a sharp, distinct sound — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. With only 30 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
In the most recent SSA release, Nawab ranks #7101 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Nawab is a boy's baby name of Arabic origin, derived from the Urdu/Persian word for a provincial governor in Mughal India — a title of enormous prestige and wealth. The English word "nabob" (meaning a very wealthy person) is derived from Nawab.
In South Asian Muslim communities, Nawab carries the gravitas of historical aristocracy, evoking the splendor of Mughal court culture and the opulent nawabs of Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Bengal.
EtymologyShow more
Nawab is cataloged under the Arabic naming tradition. Arabic names frequently carry layered meanings tied to virtue, beauty, or devotion — a naming tradition where the meaning of a name is considered deeply important.
In the U.S., Nawab has been recorded as a boy's name since 2022, with 30 total births. Browse the Arabic names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Nawab has 3+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2022.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 30 | — |
The Story of Nawab
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2024, Nawab is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Nawab are most likely born between 2022 and 2024.
How rare is Nawab?
Only about 1 in every 300,000 babies born in 2024 was named Nawab — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2022, peaked in the 2020s with 30 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(3 years, 2022–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 | #7101 |
| 2023 | 7 | #10465 |
| 2022 | 11 | #7590 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nawab a boy's or girl's name?
When was Nawab most popular?
How popular is the name Nawab?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2022–2024