नीला

Nila

girlSanskrit; also TamilHindu

Nila is a Hindu girl name of Sanskrit; also Tamil origin, meaning “Blue; also moon (Tamil)”.

MeaningBlue; also moon (Tamil)
GenderGirl
OriginSanskrit; also Tamil
Written asनीला
PronunciationNEE-lah
TraditionHindu
Used inIndia, Sri Lanka

Meaning and origin of Nila

Nila comes from the Sanskrit nila, 'dark blue', the colour of sapphire, rain clouds and the sky, and in Hindi neela still means blue. In Tamil, nila is an everyday word for the moon, which makes the name doubly popular in South India. Its short, open sound also fits international use, and it overlaps with the Scandinavian and English name Nilla or Nyla only by coincidence.

Is Nila a Hindu name?

Blue is the colour associated with Krishna, Rama and Shiva, so Nila has a gentle devotional echo for Hindu families. In Tamil homes it is often chosen simply as a moon name.

How popular is Nila?

Used across India and in Tamil communities worldwide; increasingly heard in the diaspora.

Gifts with the name Nila

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Spellings and variants of Nila

NeelaNeelam

Names similar to Nila

More Hindu girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Nila mean?

Nila means 'Blue; also moon (Tamil)'. It is of Sanskrit; also Tamil origin.

Is Nila a Hindu name?

Blue is the colour associated with Krishna, Rama and Shiva, so Nila has a gentle devotional echo for Hindu families. In Tamil homes it is often chosen simply as a moon name.

How do you pronounce Nila?

Nila is pronounced NEE-lah.

Is Nila a boy or girl name?

Nila is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.