Nefeli
A girl's name of Greek origin with 118 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
plural of nefelio
Nefeli is a girl's baby name of Greek origin, from the ancient Greek nephele, meaning 'cloud.' In Greek mythology, Nephele was a cloud nymph created by Zeus in the image of Hera, and the mother of Phrixus and Helle — whose flight on the golden ram gave rise to the legend of the Golden Fleece.
Nefeli is currently popular in Greece, where it ranks consistently among the top girls' names. Its mythological roots and airy meaning give it both classical gravitas and an ethereal lightness that feels genuinely poetic. Outside of Greece it remains a beautiful undiscovered gem.
EtymologyShow more
Names travel. They cross oceans, change spelling, shift pronunciation, and accumulate new associations with each culture that adopts them. Nefeli is rooted in the Greek tradition, but its presence in American naming since 2003 means it has been shaped by English phonetics, local customs, and the cultural context of the families who chose it.
Nefeli’s rarity (118 recorded births) may indicate it is strongly tied to a specific cultural community or family tradition, rather than part of the broader American naming mainstream.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Nefeli has 13+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2003.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 58 | #9233 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 55 | #13417 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 5 | #17626 | — |
The Story of Nefeli
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2023, Nefeli is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Nefeli are most likely born between 2013 and 2024.
How rare is Nefeli?
Only about 1 in every 400,000 babies born in 2024 was named Nefeli — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2003, peaked in the 2020s with 58 births that decade.
Nefeli by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(13 years, 2003–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 | #10816 |
| 2023 | 15 | #7533 |
| 2022 | 13 | #8378 |
| 2021 | 11 | #9377 |
| 2020 | 10 | #10062 |
| 2019 | 11 | #9566 |
| 2018 | 8 | #12178 |
| 2016 | 7 | #13943 |
| 2014 | 7 | #14156 |
| 2013 | 5 | #18504 |
| 2012 | 10 | #11027 |
| 2010 | 7 | #14543 |
| 2003 | 5 | #17626 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nefeli a boy's or girl's name?
When was Nefeli most popular?
How popular is the name Nefeli?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2003–2024