Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Nahla

Nahla is an Arabic name that reportedly means “honeybee” (although we’ve also confirmed that it means “drink of water, thirst-quenching”). The reason it’s even on the American Top 1000 list of baby girl names is because high profile A-List celebrity-actress Halle Berry and her then boyfriend, Canadian-French model Gabriel Aubry, named their daughter Nahla Ariela Aubry on March 16, 2008. Separately, Nala is also a Hindu name, from the Sanskrit (नल) meaning “stem”. King Nala of the Nishadha people figures into Indian mythology – he appears in the Hindu epic Mahabharata as the husband chosen by the beautiful Princess Damayanti of the Vidarbha Kingdom. Damayanti chose Nala to be her husband over many gods who had hoped to win her. One god, Kali, was so enraged by Damayanti’s unwavering preference for Nala that he set about destroying the King and his kingdom (which Nala ends up gambling away under the curse of Kali). Thanks to the goodness of Nala, the situation is sorted out and he and Damayanti live happily ever after. Finally, we should mention that Nala is the name of the little lioness (and future queen) who pals around with Simba in “The Lion King” (later they marry and have a daughter named Kiara). Due to this quaintly cute pop-culture reference, Nala is a common name for pet cats.

All About the Baby Name – Nahla

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME NAHLA

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME NAHLA

Nahla is brand new to the charts, first appearing in 2011. So if the ϋber-celebrity couple that once was (Berry and Aubry) named their daughter Nahla in the beginning of 2008, then why did it take so long for it to appear on the U.S. naming charts almost three years later in 2011? It seems not much fuss was made over the name at first, but due to the media circus surrounding the unpleasant custody battle that has ensued, American parents have been constantly exposed to the name. We just wonder when Maury Povich will break out his paternity tests it’s gotten so ugly. Nahla is a pretty name and the “honeybee” etymology is as darling as they come, but its connection to Simba’s little buddy in “The Lion King” is just too strong for us and housecats everywhere.

Quick Facts

ON NAHLA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Arabic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

966

PRONUNCIATION:

NAH-la

SIMPLE MEANING:

Honeybee

Characteristics

OF NAHLA

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Nahla

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME NAHLA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Nahla

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME NAHLA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Nahla


Popular Songs

ON NAHLA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Nahla


Famous People

NAMED NAHLA

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Nahla.

Children of Famous People

NAMED NAHLA

Halle Berry;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME NAHLA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Nahla