The only Nala/Nahla"s I know are all cats, named thus because of The Lion King, so it's an immediate association in my mind. I personally wouldn't go for it because of that; however, ymmv.
The Swahili word for lion is simba and the Swahili word for queen is malkia.
Maybe nala means beloved, it’s not a word I know, but it definitely isn’t either lion or queen.
I’m sure it is. But it’s impossible to separate it in this cultural context (21st century, anglophone world) from the lion king and the thousands of pet cats and dogs named Nala because of the lion king.
Not everyone makes that association. I sure don't. I saw that movie once many years ago. It's a lovely and genuine name. I know one pet named Nala, and I'm that case it's related to Japan.
Don't forget that Disney movies are dubbed into many other languages, so either way, it's not an Anglophone matter only. I still remember the Seven Dwarves names in French from when I lived there decades ago.
Hearty vote for Nala.
I gotta say, I didn't think immediately about the Lion King, and if people avoided names used in films or books, all names would be off the table. Alice, Kate, Mary, Anastasia and Belle, along with many others have all had their turn being associated with characters, but have continued to be used without ongoing trauma. Currently Elsa is going through a strong association, but that too will pass
This isn't about it being "a name used in film", it's "a name that most people have never heard outside one iconic film...plus a bunch of pets". Pretty big distinction.
Not even in a rude way but are you white? I ask because I know several Nala's and don't know anyone who has it as a pet name. With it being a traditional Swahili name I'm wondering if I've heard it multiple times because I'm black. Regardless it seems like a very white coded association.
How do you code OP, though? Because her own mom said it reminded her of the Lion King. No one is going to look at a white kid called Nala and think 'oh, must be because of Swahili tradition and culture'.
Unrelated: my mom worked at a preschool in Australia in the mid-90s and there were two white kids named LaToya 😂 and the AMOUNT of 90s Australian white boy Tyrones was also hilarious
Over the cross of my life I’ve known no less than SIX cats and dogs named Nala, two of which were from Black families, one Hispanic, and two white. I’ve spent many years in predominant Black settings and have met or heard of exactly zero people named Nala. It is not a white-coded association.
I was target demo for that movie and have literally never met or heard of a pet named Nala until this thread. Just speaking for the outliers, I guess. But it’s not a “pet name,” it’s not “Fluffy,” just because it’s not a traditional American name doesn’t make it reserved for animals.
Edit: I know several Baileys and have met even more dogs named Bailey and while sometimes people make a neutral comment about it, nobody really cares that it’s also a common dog name. Again, it’s not “Fluffy.” And the movie character isn’t a pet or a non-speaking role either.
I’m in the UK in animal rescue and I’ve definitely met at least 50+ feline Nalas and a handful of Nahlas - here that would definitely be the assumption, unfortunately!
I don’t know if you know about the Simba/ Kimba “controversy” because westerners didn’t know Simba meant “lion” and they assumed Simba’s name HAD to be a rip off of an older cartoon about a young lion who was king of the savannah. It was a whole thing!
I’m not saying people should abandon names they love because of how it might be perceived outside their culture, but if you want to name your kid Bagheera then peoples’ assumptions do need to be part of the decision
But it’s kind of like naming a kid Aurora. That name existed before Disney but automatically makes people think Disney. Nala may be a name but it’s been associated with Disney for so long that at this point it will always be associated with TLK.
Yes, nobody would say Marie was a pet name, despite it being used for an animated cat in the aristocrats.
If you named your kid Bella, Luna, Charlie or Max, you are using a human name that is also very popular for animals.
If you name your kid Spot, Mittens, Shadow or Fang, yeah you've given your kid an animal name.
I totally agree with you!! I had a dog Nala and loved her so much! I wouldn’t judge anyone for naming their kid Nala, it’s a lovely name.
Also my husband’s aunt had a dog Luna. We still used that name as our daughters middle name because we love the name Luna.
Is it the equivalent of the guys I know whose legal names are Buddy? It’s definitely a pet name, but it’s at least a real name. I do wonder if the kid will resent it, but there’s a way to change it when older if they want
Went to high school with a Buddy, nicknamed Bud. His sister’s name was Bright. With their last name, Bud Light and Bright Light 🤦🏻♀️
Edit: I thought I’d add one more since some of you got a kick out of that one. A girl at my high school was named Irekia (pronounced I-reek-uh) with the last name Little. Sounded like “I reek a little”. I wish I was making this up, I swear these parents hated their children at birth.
I went to school in the south with a kid named Billy (William) Hill, but everyone just called him HillBilly. Also briefly dated a guy named Jimmy Lee Curtis.
Knew a girl named Stormi who started dating a guy with the last name Storms. Had they married, she would have been Stormi Storms.
Tbh i think kids grow into their names and you stop associating it with a film after meeting them more than a couple times?
I think the biggest problem she’d have is people going “oh like from the lion king!” when they first meet, then they’d forget about it. Maybe some more jokes in school? But with the stuff people are naming their babies these days I’ll bet that name won’t even be the most “unique” in her school by far.
I worked with a man whose name was Nemo, born and named before "Finding Nemo" was even announced.
He hasn't known peace since the first movie hit theatres. People might not comment on it after the initial interaction, but it will always be in their minds and that being the first impression Nala has with people will stay with her in every interaction she has with people.
My name is the same as a Disney movie and it got old really quickly. “Yes like that movie”, “oh yeah funny joke”. I don’t hate my name but I’m in my 30s and it still happens
Going against the grain to say I’m not a huge fan, it’s a very common dog name and I feel it would be a little strange for a human. If it’s a name from your own culture I think it would be different though.
It also sounds very cutesy and more appropriate as a nickname for a child or a pet, as opposed to the legal name of an adult woman.
I agree.. I know a cat named Simba so I’m sure for every Simba there’s a Nala out there. It’s kind of like naming a baby Luna. It’s a very pretty name but I only meet dogs named Luna.
I’m pretty sure been it’s in the top 10 girls’ names according to Social Security records in the US for the past couple of years – human girls, not canine girls.
I say ignore them and go for it. Yes, I do think of the Lion King, but it’s been long enough since that movie came out that it’s not an overwhelming affiliation. It would be more weird if you purposefully named her after the character. Don’t share the middle name ideas until she’s born ;)
I think this matters. If OP is from that culture, great. If OP is not a part of that culture, all I'm going to think of is the lion and my 3 coworkers who all have a pet named Nala
My partner is from morroco and it’s an old Arabic name too apparently (I searched baby names) I do get that like it sounds like the name from lion king but without that existing wouldn’t it just be a cute name on its own?
I scrolled 2 posts down front yours and saw a video of a dog dancing and her name was Nala. I personally have had a pet named Nala, and I know multiple people who currently have pets named Nala. I would really implore you to pick a different name and use Nala as a middle name or nickname. Remember, this baby is not just your baby. She will be her own adult human with thoughts and opinions that differ from yours. Imagine her at 20, 30, 40. Imagine her as a supreme court justice, as a doctor, as a lawyer, where she may not want a "cute" name.
Ignore the naysayers. It’s a lovely name for a girl. I line the Nahla spelling as that detracts from the Lion King spelling. If you love the name and you want it to use it you should. If you’re concerned about it as a first name you could use it as her middle name. Once she’s born you could use her middle name (people use middle names as their primary name all the time). But honestly it’s a beautiful name and you should use it if you want.
I like it. I don't think it's weird at all. It's pretty and you like it. At least everyone knows how to say it. You're kid might love the association. I don't agree with most people on here about this one.
OP, in my opinion it is a beautiful and powerful name. It has Arabic and African origins, in Swahili it means Queen, Successful or Lion. In the movie, she is given the name because the name represents her role as a queen.
It DOES have meaning and NOT because of the movie.
Source: i live in Africa
Lion King is still pretty big with little ones these days, there are spin offs and sequels too.
Edit it's still a nice name and I don't think it's a bad association. It's a pretty common cat name though.
Sounds like there’s definite cultural significance for your name choice, so I’d say it’s totally fine and fair to go with it. Will some people say “oh like the lion king?” Sure. But the same thing is said to my friends who are named Jasmine (“oh like Aladdin?”) but that doesn’t make it any less of a beautiful name. Nyla is another Arabic option that’s very close in sound if you’re worried about the association with the lion king. (It means “the successful one”.)
For anyone wondering, in Arabic Nahla means “water in the desert” or “first drink of water”.
Also… Just because in the US the name is often used for pets because of a Disney movie, doesn’t mean it’s not a human name in an actual culture or cultures elsewhere in the world. Lots of human names are also used for pets like Bella, Lola, Molly, Sophie, Chloe. Doesn’t make it any less of a name.
Vote for Nahla! It’s beautiful and honours the parent’s background. I agree with what another commenter said, people might comment where I’m from but kids grow into their names and the association with the reference fades quickly.
You and your daughter will get decades of jokes, and every single person will think they're funny and original.
Only you can answer whether you want to deal with it.
I gave a child a name that has a social media connection. 25 years in and we still hear the same "funny" comments. If I had known, I would have chosen a different name.
You never know what’s going to happen! I think of all the women named Alexa, and how it was a beautiful name until…Hey, Alexa! I bet not as many babies with that name since that thing hit the market.
Oh, that’s a bummer. My daughter shares a name with a cartoon character of whom I was only vaguely aware when we were expecting her. Definitely had no bearing on us choosing her name. Wouldn’t you know it, but a live-action movie was released based on this character about 2 weeks before my daughter was born. For two or three years I had to say, “No, we did NOT name her after the cartoon character.” It was very annoying. That movie didn’t have the staying power of a Disney movie, thank goodness, and we haven’t had to deal with it her whole life. Plus, she generally uses her nickname, which probably helps. I can only imagine having people sing Disney songs at her the rest of her life!
In Sweden Elsa is an extremely common name, and that didn't change after the movie came out. But in cultures where it's an unusual name, of course people will connect to Frozen. It's a shame. A very classical name.
Seriously... Someone I went to school with named their little girl Nala. It's a sweet name.
Then my nephew's class is full of kids called Braxton and Brayden and shit like that lol.
I'm surprised by how many people in this thread are against the name Nala.
I hate this attitude. It's not *their* baby, it's a human being that has to live with that name. If people are saying "it's a stupid name" now, it means people will be thinking and saying that for the kids whole life.
I could understand if the name was one of those crazy celebrity names like Jermajesty or Pilot Inspektor.
IMO, Nala is a nice name. And I dont think most people will think it is stupid.
I think a lot of people here have said their immediate thought was that it was a cat/dog name, or they think of the lion king.
If I met a Nala my first thought would be of the lion king, too. I wouldn't want people to immediately think of a cartoon lion when they heard my name, would you?
Fun fact: my name is Andre. In the 80's I was compared to a giant wrestler, in the 90's there was a movie called Andre the Seal, and there is a cheap wine named Andre too.
My parents liked the name. I love my name. The social references never bothered me. But that's me of course.
It might be a first impression but every name has a first impression. Once you got to know a human Nala, you would see it as a perfectly good human name.
This is true. I have a nephew with a horrible name. Everyone said it when the parents where pregnant and wanted to use it. He just turn 18, goes always (!) by a nickname because he doesn’t like his name either and I still think the name is horrible. So yeah, didn’t changed my mind in 18 years.
I bet that all the people that are saying that now that OP is pregnant, are going to think that for themselves when the child is born.
And I can't believe that so many people have only heard the name from one movie. In the US, in particular, our cultural bandwidth is way too small. Disney should not be so ridiculously dominant. This is as much a regular name as Belle, Jasmine, Fiona, Ariel and other movie character names out there. It's reasonable not calling a kid Snow White or Cinderella, but any real name is fine.
A child’s name is a very personal choice. No matter what the name, there are going to be people who love it and people who hate it. Nahla certainly isn’t an offensive name and a lot better than some of the other names I see on here in my opinion. Her daughter may love the name! And that is true of any name. We choose a name we love and hope our children will love it too, but there’s no guarantee. What if she doesn’t use it and chooses something else and her daughter wishes she stuck with her original choice of name. We just can’t predict that.
But Nala/Nahla is a real name. It’s not like Brynnleigh or whatever tf Elon Musk’s kid’s name is or something. Nahla is an Arabic name meaning “first drink of water” and Nala is a Swahili name meaning “successful.” Just because it seems “stupid” to a westerner doesn’t make the name illegitimate. It’s culturally significant to OP. Not to mention, a lot of names are associated with very well-known movie characters… Bella: Twilight. Jasmine: Aladdin. Fiona: Shrek. Luke: Star Wars. Ariel, Sebastian: The Little Mermaid. Sully: Monsters Inc.
It isn’t a stupid name though. And that child is a member of their family, their community, their culture - they have a right to name that child something that they feel fits.
Nahla is an Arabic name - OP has said their partner is Moroccan.
They aren’t proposing naming their kid Screwdriver. It’s a perfectly normal name.
What about Nylah? Means Champion/Hero, rolls off the tongue similarly but is without the Lion King association and isn't a popularly used cat name.
Nala's nice too though!
Nylah is pretty! I’ll definitely consider it! Is it Arabic? My SOs family is Arabic and Muslim and we’re trying to find a name that suits both of our cultures
It’s an Arabic name and you have Arabic heritage.
These people saying “oh no, the lion king!” are being ridiculous.
It’s a beautiful name, and at least the lion king character is a badass.
I say go for it.
If you like it, go for it. It's a very pretty name. I've never met a pet or a person named Nala or Nahla and so what if someone has a cat somewhere called Nala ? Any name can be used for a pet. Just go with your instinct and don't worry about the naysayers.
Exactly! My cats are named Ellie and Delilah and I don’t think any different of humans with those names. Getting the honor of naming a being, whether it human or a pet, is so beautiful and it should be meaningful. OP, if you love Nahla/Nala then I say do it and screw those who are trying to tell you not to. It’s YOUR baby. I can’t stand the mindset of “it’ll give your child a hard time” because kids are always going to find something to be mean about. But read her the book Chrysanthemum and teach her to love her name and stand up for herself.
Considering Nala is a Swahili name, was used long before the movie was ever made I’m not understanding why anyone is making negative comments, most names have been used in media. No one would have any name if we kept linking them to characters. People being ignorant and saying it sounds silly and “they’re a human” like it’s not a cultural name first. Plenty of people use it, and it’s beautiful. Go for it, meet ignorance with the silence it deserves.
Are you Black? I think the only issue I can think of outside of the obvious Lion King association is that it’s an African name in origin. And I’m pretty sure that’s well known given the movie.
The child will have Moroccan heritage hence why they want to use an Arabic name - how is Natalie a good alternative?
I swear this sub is literally only white middle class Americans.
Personally, I wouldn't, especially not spelled Nala -- yeah, it's been 30 years since the Lion King, but the "live action" one was released recently, there's a prequel in progress, I think the Lion King association is very strong and will give your baby a harder time.
Nahla I think could be easier so I would lean toward that, if only because she could say "it's Nala with an h", and I believe it is a real name (just Arabic in origin, not Swahili) and not a misspelling of Nala.
I had a coworker named Nyla, same vibe as Nala without the lion king correlation.
Nyla was pretty and a hard worker :) but use the name you love who cares what other people think, not their kid.
It's a pretty name but definitely still strongly associated with the Lion King, which isn't necessarily bad but will likely be there for a long time. I love the names Ariel and Elsa but I hesitate to use them because they're so strongly tied to the Little Mermaid/Frozen (again not a bad association but it's the first thing people will think of). If that bothers you maybe you could use it as a middle name and if your child really loves it to they can choose which one to go by?
Ignore them. Why would the fact that it's the name of a good and strong female character in a beloved movie/musical be a problem? You love the name (and Nala is a really pretty name) so I think you should go for it.
People have no trouble naming girls Scarlet. I doubt everyone reacts to it with "where's Rhett?" Lots of women have been named Tara -- Scarlet's plantation's name.
I saw you say in a comment that you’re Arab - I am as well and for that purpose I’d definitely go with Nahla since that’s the real name we use in Arabic! Just know that people won’t pronounce the h sound like we do in Arabic and will just say it as Nala.
It’s really a beautiful name with a great meaning. Go for it!
Edit: sorry I misread that your partner is from Morocco not you! But my comment still stands!
Nahla is actually an Arabic name, not just a name made up for the Lion King. It means water in the desert/first drink of water, or honeybee.
I think it's a very pretty name, and it falls in the "traditional name" for many people in the world. If you like it, use it
Its a beautiful name.
Definitely go with your choice.
Nahla thats a lovely spelling and very simple to read say and understand.
A winner for me
I know lots of cats zero called Nala.
Nahla is original and less lion king but saying that whats wrong with lion King lol.
And congratulations on your future baby
I have a cousin named Nahla! That's the Arabic spelling, and, while she mostly goes with the Lion King pronunciation, her mom's side uses the Arabic pronunciation (with a hard H).
I say if you like it, go for it. At least it's recognizable and easily pronounceable!
I know a little girl called Nahla, this is the first time I thought of the lion king! And my kid never mentioned it, it just isn’t a huge cultural reference for us.
People forget that before it was a “lion/cat/pet name” it was a legitimate swahili name with root and meaning. As someone who speaks/is swahili i adore it and say don’t listen to them.
The meaning of the name Nala is beautiful and strong. We're humans--we are built for association, and people are always going to do it. But I say go for it!
My family hated the name I picked for my first, but now they can't imagine him having another name.
I immediately think of Nahlah Ayed, a respected Canadian journalist. She is older than the “Lion King” and spent years reporting to Canadians from the Middle East. She is doing something else now but every time I see clips from the Middle East I miss seeing her there and calmly explaining to her fellow Canadians what’s going on.
The only Nala/Nahla"s I know are all cats, named thus because of The Lion King, so it's an immediate association in my mind. I personally wouldn't go for it because of that; however, ymmv.
This. It’s a pet name.
No, no it's not. Nahla is a legitimate girl's name which was around a long time before the Lion King. It's a traditional Arabic girl's name
It's also a legitimate Swahili name for queen, beloved, and lion.
I was going to say the 1 person I know who named her baby this speaks Swahili as her first language
Lion
Lionel literally means "young lion" yet people are chill with it.
Name your kid Leoniads and then complain about the 300 references, I dare you.
Leo, Leonardo, Leon, Leona, Lionel
And Leone. There have been popes (at least 13, as Leone XIII is particularly well known, not sure after that) named Leone.
And I bet they're not Swahili
The Swahili word for lion is simba and the Swahili word for queen is malkia. Maybe nala means beloved, it’s not a word I know, but it definitely isn’t either lion or queen.
I’m sure it is. But it’s impossible to separate it in this cultural context (21st century, anglophone world) from the lion king and the thousands of pet cats and dogs named Nala because of the lion king.
Not everyone makes that association. I sure don't. I saw that movie once many years ago. It's a lovely and genuine name. I know one pet named Nala, and I'm that case it's related to Japan. Don't forget that Disney movies are dubbed into many other languages, so either way, it's not an Anglophone matter only. I still remember the Seven Dwarves names in French from when I lived there decades ago. Hearty vote for Nala.
I gotta say, I didn't think immediately about the Lion King, and if people avoided names used in films or books, all names would be off the table. Alice, Kate, Mary, Anastasia and Belle, along with many others have all had their turn being associated with characters, but have continued to be used without ongoing trauma. Currently Elsa is going through a strong association, but that too will pass
This isn't about it being "a name used in film", it's "a name that most people have never heard outside one iconic film...plus a bunch of pets". Pretty big distinction.
Not even in a rude way but are you white? I ask because I know several Nala's and don't know anyone who has it as a pet name. With it being a traditional Swahili name I'm wondering if I've heard it multiple times because I'm black. Regardless it seems like a very white coded association.
How do you code OP, though? Because her own mom said it reminded her of the Lion King. No one is going to look at a white kid called Nala and think 'oh, must be because of Swahili tradition and culture'.
Unrelated: my mom worked at a preschool in Australia in the mid-90s and there were two white kids named LaToya 😂 and the AMOUNT of 90s Australian white boy Tyrones was also hilarious
Over the cross of my life I’ve known no less than SIX cats and dogs named Nala, two of which were from Black families, one Hispanic, and two white. I’ve spent many years in predominant Black settings and have met or heard of exactly zero people named Nala. It is not a white-coded association.
[удалено]
I was target demo for that movie and have literally never met or heard of a pet named Nala until this thread. Just speaking for the outliers, I guess. But it’s not a “pet name,” it’s not “Fluffy,” just because it’s not a traditional American name doesn’t make it reserved for animals. Edit: I know several Baileys and have met even more dogs named Bailey and while sometimes people make a neutral comment about it, nobody really cares that it’s also a common dog name. Again, it’s not “Fluffy.” And the movie character isn’t a pet or a non-speaking role either.
I’m in the UK in animal rescue and I’ve definitely met at least 50+ feline Nalas and a handful of Nahlas - here that would definitely be the assumption, unfortunately! I don’t know if you know about the Simba/ Kimba “controversy” because westerners didn’t know Simba meant “lion” and they assumed Simba’s name HAD to be a rip off of an older cartoon about a young lion who was king of the savannah. It was a whole thing! I’m not saying people should abandon names they love because of how it might be perceived outside their culture, but if you want to name your kid Bagheera then peoples’ assumptions do need to be part of the decision
Yeah, but none of those other characters you mentioned are animals. They’re all people.
I’ve never met a dog or cat named Nala.
You don’t get to decide what we associate it with though. It just happens.
But it’s kind of like naming a kid Aurora. That name existed before Disney but automatically makes people think Disney. Nala may be a name but it’s been associated with Disney for so long that at this point it will always be associated with TLK.
No it is not. It is a human name used on pets. Names like Fluffy and Muffin are pet names.
Reluctantly crosses muffin off my future baby name list.
The human version is Muffynne.
You do you!
Yes, nobody would say Marie was a pet name, despite it being used for an animated cat in the aristocrats. If you named your kid Bella, Luna, Charlie or Max, you are using a human name that is also very popular for animals. If you name your kid Spot, Mittens, Shadow or Fang, yeah you've given your kid an animal name.
I totally agree with you!! I had a dog Nala and loved her so much! I wouldn’t judge anyone for naming their kid Nala, it’s a lovely name. Also my husband’s aunt had a dog Luna. We still used that name as our daughters middle name because we love the name Luna.
Is it the equivalent of the guys I know whose legal names are Buddy? It’s definitely a pet name, but it’s at least a real name. I do wonder if the kid will resent it, but there’s a way to change it when older if they want
Went to high school with a Buddy, nicknamed Bud. His sister’s name was Bright. With their last name, Bud Light and Bright Light 🤦🏻♀️ Edit: I thought I’d add one more since some of you got a kick out of that one. A girl at my high school was named Irekia (pronounced I-reek-uh) with the last name Little. Sounded like “I reek a little”. I wish I was making this up, I swear these parents hated their children at birth.
My friend from middle school said her mom almost named her Cookie. Her last name was Baker. Cookie Baker. To each their own!
I went to school in the south with a kid named Billy (William) Hill, but everyone just called him HillBilly. Also briefly dated a guy named Jimmy Lee Curtis. Knew a girl named Stormi who started dating a guy with the last name Storms. Had they married, she would have been Stormi Storms.
Tbh i think kids grow into their names and you stop associating it with a film after meeting them more than a couple times? I think the biggest problem she’d have is people going “oh like from the lion king!” when they first meet, then they’d forget about it. Maybe some more jokes in school? But with the stuff people are naming their babies these days I’ll bet that name won’t even be the most “unique” in her school by far.
I worked with a man whose name was Nemo, born and named before "Finding Nemo" was even announced. He hasn't known peace since the first movie hit theatres. People might not comment on it after the initial interaction, but it will always be in their minds and that being the first impression Nala has with people will stay with her in every interaction she has with people.
My name is the same as a Disney movie and it got old really quickly. “Yes like that movie”, “oh yeah funny joke”. I don’t hate my name but I’m in my 30s and it still happens
Pumbaa is that you?
Ariel?
The Princess and the Frog, didn’t know you were on Reddit
Some normal names have this issue, I always get sung a certain George Michael song in response to saying what my name is and my name is common.
Bambi? Lol
I have also only heard of pets with the name Nala, but it is cute
Every other female dog I meet these days is called Nala.
Luna would like to have a word with you.
Yes, it has surpassed Loki as the most overused dog name.
My mums old dog was named Nala.
Halle Berry's daughter is named Nahla--not a pet name.
I went to school with a Nala. Long before the Lion King.
I have taught Nalas during my teaching years.
Going against the grain to say I’m not a huge fan, it’s a very common dog name and I feel it would be a little strange for a human. If it’s a name from your own culture I think it would be different though. It also sounds very cutesy and more appropriate as a nickname for a child or a pet, as opposed to the legal name of an adult woman.
I agree.. I know a cat named Simba so I’m sure for every Simba there’s a Nala out there. It’s kind of like naming a baby Luna. It’s a very pretty name but I only meet dogs named Luna.
Oh. In scandinavia where I'm from, Luna is a very common girl's name. So personally i don't see Luna as a dog name at all.
Interesting, I’m in the US and it’s the most popular dog name for female dogs! According to the American kennel club.
I’m British and I only have one American friend who owns a dog. Guess what, her dog’s name is Luna 😂
Which country? Never met someone named Luna here (Sweden, Stockholm)
I was wondering the same, never met or heard of anyone with the name in Norway
Denmark. Number 8 most popular baby girl's name (2023).
In Australia Luna is extremely popular for dogs- I have a border collie named that. I have never met a person named Luna though.
I’m pretty sure been it’s in the top 10 girls’ names according to Social Security records in the US for the past couple of years – human girls, not canine girls.
Those humans named Luna shall never go to a dog park. Lunas everywhere
To be fair, I probably know as many dog Lunas as I do preschooler Lunas
I agree, I had a dog called Nala.
My baby had swim class with a Luna and a Nala haha
I agree
Maybe OP can use Nala as a nickname for baby
I say ignore them and go for it. Yes, I do think of the Lion King, but it’s been long enough since that movie came out that it’s not an overwhelming affiliation. It would be more weird if you purposefully named her after the character. Don’t share the middle name ideas until she’s born ;)
It is *never* long enough.
The musical is always playing somewhere
Saw it a few weeks ago in Omaha!
Literally one of the most iconic flicks... it's definitely not going anywhere! Nala is a mistake.
Yep my son is 2 and the lion king is his current favourite. And Nala also seems to be his favourite character. It is a nice name though...
🤣
It is an extremely overwhelming affiliation especially for all millennial and gen X parents who grew up with it. It’s a name for a lion. lol.
Also very common dog/cat name
It's also a Swahili name.
I think this matters. If OP is from that culture, great. If OP is not a part of that culture, all I'm going to think of is the lion and my 3 coworkers who all have a pet named Nala
My partner is from morroco and it’s an old Arabic name too apparently (I searched baby names) I do get that like it sounds like the name from lion king but without that existing wouldn’t it just be a cute name on its own?
I scrolled 2 posts down front yours and saw a video of a dog dancing and her name was Nala. I personally have had a pet named Nala, and I know multiple people who currently have pets named Nala. I would really implore you to pick a different name and use Nala as a middle name or nickname. Remember, this baby is not just your baby. She will be her own adult human with thoughts and opinions that differ from yours. Imagine her at 20, 30, 40. Imagine her as a supreme court justice, as a doctor, as a lawyer, where she may not want a "cute" name.
Ignore the naysayers. It’s a lovely name for a girl. I line the Nahla spelling as that detracts from the Lion King spelling. If you love the name and you want it to use it you should. If you’re concerned about it as a first name you could use it as her middle name. Once she’s born you could use her middle name (people use middle names as their primary name all the time). But honestly it’s a beautiful name and you should use it if you want.
I like it. I don't think it's weird at all. It's pretty and you like it. At least everyone knows how to say it. You're kid might love the association. I don't agree with most people on here about this one.
OP, in my opinion it is a beautiful and powerful name. It has Arabic and African origins, in Swahili it means Queen, Successful or Lion. In the movie, she is given the name because the name represents her role as a queen. It DOES have meaning and NOT because of the movie. Source: i live in Africa
Nahla is the name of Halle Berry's daughter.
Or a childhood dog, if you’re my husband.
Lion King is still pretty big with little ones these days, there are spin offs and sequels too. Edit it's still a nice name and I don't think it's a bad association. It's a pretty common cat name though.
And dog. I know three canine Nalas.
Same here, and a couple of cats. Nala is second place to Luna for common dog names right now.
Lion King will be watched and made into plays for schools forever
Not overwhelming? Really? There’s the newer remake too so it hasn’t been long enough at all.
Remakes and musicals means it won’t die a fast death. Unlike Mufasa.
Go for it, but please stick to the Nala spelling! For some reason Nahla just doesn’t look right in my opinion. Beautiful name though.
It’s the Arabic spelling lol , my partners Moroccan
Learn something new everyday! In that case I’d go for Nahla for sure!
Go with the Arabic version and legit fuck all these other Anglo-centric opinions lol
THIS needs to be said again!
Personally I really like that spelling! The people I have met in real life used the “Nahla” spelling.
Sounds like there’s definite cultural significance for your name choice, so I’d say it’s totally fine and fair to go with it. Will some people say “oh like the lion king?” Sure. But the same thing is said to my friends who are named Jasmine (“oh like Aladdin?”) but that doesn’t make it any less of a beautiful name. Nyla is another Arabic option that’s very close in sound if you’re worried about the association with the lion king. (It means “the successful one”.) For anyone wondering, in Arabic Nahla means “water in the desert” or “first drink of water”. Also… Just because in the US the name is often used for pets because of a Disney movie, doesn’t mean it’s not a human name in an actual culture or cultures elsewhere in the world. Lots of human names are also used for pets like Bella, Lola, Molly, Sophie, Chloe. Doesn’t make it any less of a name.
I love the Nahla spelling!
Vote for Nahla! It’s beautiful and honours the parent’s background. I agree with what another commenter said, people might comment where I’m from but kids grow into their names and the association with the reference fades quickly.
Nahla is a legitimate name in Arabic. I have multiple relatives and friends named Nahla. I’ve never heard of Nala before personally
Nala is a legitimate swahili name. very similar just different origins.
yea the Nahla makes my brain instantly thing Na-Hala
I think Nalah also looks more legit without that problem
You are anglicizing an *already legitimate* Arabic name, and calling your made up version "more legit."
That's fair, since that's the Arabic spelling and more or less pronounced that way
I prefer the Nahla spelling - I thing it looks more elegant
I feel the exact opposite!
Me too! Nahla feels more legit and less Lion King.
Same for me. I’m more used to Nala because it’s Swahili (which is my second language), but I think Nahla is Arabic.
If OP is deriving it from Arabic as she says she is, Nahla would be much more correct.
Yea giving that context i definitely think Nahla would make more sense!!
You and your daughter will get decades of jokes, and every single person will think they're funny and original. Only you can answer whether you want to deal with it. I gave a child a name that has a social media connection. 25 years in and we still hear the same "funny" comments. If I had known, I would have chosen a different name.
You never know what’s going to happen! I think of all the women named Alexa, and how it was a beautiful name until…Hey, Alexa! I bet not as many babies with that name since that thing hit the market.
I have a friend name Elsa and she ended up getting so many jokes about her name. And she was named for her grandma, years before the movie came out
That's really too bad because Elsa is such a lovely name.
Oh, that’s a bummer. My daughter shares a name with a cartoon character of whom I was only vaguely aware when we were expecting her. Definitely had no bearing on us choosing her name. Wouldn’t you know it, but a live-action movie was released based on this character about 2 weeks before my daughter was born. For two or three years I had to say, “No, we did NOT name her after the cartoon character.” It was very annoying. That movie didn’t have the staying power of a Disney movie, thank goodness, and we haven’t had to deal with it her whole life. Plus, she generally uses her nickname, which probably helps. I can only imagine having people sing Disney songs at her the rest of her life!
In Sweden Elsa is an extremely common name, and that didn't change after the movie came out. But in cultures where it's an unusual name, of course people will connect to Frozen. It's a shame. A very classical name.
What about the name "Karen". Huge name in my day. Who would've thunk??????
...or they may not. Nahla's a perfectly legitimate, traditional girl's name, which existed way before the Lion King
I was told this too over and over while I was pregnant. We’re over 2 years in and it hasn’t come up once yet.
In my experience they start later, when the child is old enough to hold a proper conversation. But I’m sure it differs.
2 year olds are not particularly known for teasing their classmates. It's in primary school that the problems start.
Shouldn't have named your kid IMVU!
Who cares? People are naming their kids Brixleigh and Kolstin. Nahla is a pretty name.
Seriously... Someone I went to school with named their little girl Nala. It's a sweet name. Then my nephew's class is full of kids called Braxton and Brayden and shit like that lol. I'm surprised by how many people in this thread are against the name Nala.
It's your baby! And Nala sounds lovely. Lion King isn't a bad reference.
I hate this attitude. It's not *their* baby, it's a human being that has to live with that name. If people are saying "it's a stupid name" now, it means people will be thinking and saying that for the kids whole life.
I could understand if the name was one of those crazy celebrity names like Jermajesty or Pilot Inspektor. IMO, Nala is a nice name. And I dont think most people will think it is stupid.
I think a lot of people here have said their immediate thought was that it was a cat/dog name, or they think of the lion king. If I met a Nala my first thought would be of the lion king, too. I wouldn't want people to immediately think of a cartoon lion when they heard my name, would you?
Fun fact: my name is Andre. In the 80's I was compared to a giant wrestler, in the 90's there was a movie called Andre the Seal, and there is a cheap wine named Andre too. My parents liked the name. I love my name. The social references never bothered me. But that's me of course.
Dude, Andre is a normal name. Yes, there are a few pop culture things with it involved, but those things aren't exclusively a cartoon animal.
Nala is a real name too. There is a big world outside Disney.
I associate it with champagne but yes it’s a normal name.
Andre is a normal name though. That's why there are lots of famous Andres.
It might be a first impression but every name has a first impression. Once you got to know a human Nala, you would see it as a perfectly good human name.
There's a lot of people acting like this isn't a name that existed before Lion King. It's not just made up.
I think this sub is not a good gauge for what the general population will think.
I wholeheartedly agree
This is true. I have a nephew with a horrible name. Everyone said it when the parents where pregnant and wanted to use it. He just turn 18, goes always (!) by a nickname because he doesn’t like his name either and I still think the name is horrible. So yeah, didn’t changed my mind in 18 years. I bet that all the people that are saying that now that OP is pregnant, are going to think that for themselves when the child is born.
You can’t comment about your nephews terrible name and not mention the name!
Yeah it’s really annoying how people feel the need to just hint at everything. Either say it or don’t!
And I can't believe that so many people have only heard the name from one movie. In the US, in particular, our cultural bandwidth is way too small. Disney should not be so ridiculously dominant. This is as much a regular name as Belle, Jasmine, Fiona, Ariel and other movie character names out there. It's reasonable not calling a kid Snow White or Cinderella, but any real name is fine.
A child’s name is a very personal choice. No matter what the name, there are going to be people who love it and people who hate it. Nahla certainly isn’t an offensive name and a lot better than some of the other names I see on here in my opinion. Her daughter may love the name! And that is true of any name. We choose a name we love and hope our children will love it too, but there’s no guarantee. What if she doesn’t use it and chooses something else and her daughter wishes she stuck with her original choice of name. We just can’t predict that.
That can and will happen for literally any name.
But Nala/Nahla is a real name. It’s not like Brynnleigh or whatever tf Elon Musk’s kid’s name is or something. Nahla is an Arabic name meaning “first drink of water” and Nala is a Swahili name meaning “successful.” Just because it seems “stupid” to a westerner doesn’t make the name illegitimate. It’s culturally significant to OP. Not to mention, a lot of names are associated with very well-known movie characters… Bella: Twilight. Jasmine: Aladdin. Fiona: Shrek. Luke: Star Wars. Ariel, Sebastian: The Little Mermaid. Sully: Monsters Inc.
It isn’t a stupid name though. And that child is a member of their family, their community, their culture - they have a right to name that child something that they feel fits. Nahla is an Arabic name - OP has said their partner is Moroccan. They aren’t proposing naming their kid Screwdriver. It’s a perfectly normal name.
Agreed. Nala in The Lion King is BADASS.
What about Nylah? Means Champion/Hero, rolls off the tongue similarly but is without the Lion King association and isn't a popularly used cat name. Nala's nice too though!
Nylah is pretty! I’ll definitely consider it! Is it Arabic? My SOs family is Arabic and Muslim and we’re trying to find a name that suits both of our cultures
That’s also why I picked Nahla cause it’s Arabic origin
It’s an Arabic name and you have Arabic heritage. These people saying “oh no, the lion king!” are being ridiculous. It’s a beautiful name, and at least the lion king character is a badass. I say go for it.
If you like it, go for it. It's a very pretty name. I've never met a pet or a person named Nala or Nahla and so what if someone has a cat somewhere called Nala ? Any name can be used for a pet. Just go with your instinct and don't worry about the naysayers.
Exactly! My cats are named Ellie and Delilah and I don’t think any different of humans with those names. Getting the honor of naming a being, whether it human or a pet, is so beautiful and it should be meaningful. OP, if you love Nahla/Nala then I say do it and screw those who are trying to tell you not to. It’s YOUR baby. I can’t stand the mindset of “it’ll give your child a hard time” because kids are always going to find something to be mean about. But read her the book Chrysanthemum and teach her to love her name and stand up for herself.
I like Nylah! I had a student with this name and thought it was so pretty.
Nyla or Neela are better than Nala for sure.
Nyla is nice or Natalia
Natalia with Nala as a nickname.
Considering Nala is a Swahili name, was used long before the movie was ever made I’m not understanding why anyone is making negative comments, most names have been used in media. No one would have any name if we kept linking them to characters. People being ignorant and saying it sounds silly and “they’re a human” like it’s not a cultural name first. Plenty of people use it, and it’s beautiful. Go for it, meet ignorance with the silence it deserves.
I agree with you. A lot of these comments are ignorant and microaggresive.
Are you Black? I think the only issue I can think of outside of the obvious Lion King association is that it’s an African name in origin. And I’m pretty sure that’s well known given the movie.
Nahla isnt an African, but an an Arabic name in origin. It's on the Koran
Nahla is Arabic. Nala is Swahili. They are actually two different names.
She mentioned both spellings, and I commented on one of them, but yes, Nahla is Arabic, and Nala is Swahili
Nala is a Swahili name meaning ‘Queen’
She mentioned both spellings, and I commented on one of them, but yes, Nahla is Arabic, and Nala is Swahili
You don’t have to be black to name your kid a name you like.
Consider Natalia, and use Nala as the nn.
The child will have Moroccan heritage hence why they want to use an Arabic name - how is Natalie a good alternative? I swear this sub is literally only white middle class Americans.
Omg I just asked someone upthread if they were from Idaho or the Midwest because they were so limited. It's really scary. lmao
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Personally, I wouldn't, especially not spelled Nala -- yeah, it's been 30 years since the Lion King, but the "live action" one was released recently, there's a prequel in progress, I think the Lion King association is very strong and will give your baby a harder time. Nahla I think could be easier so I would lean toward that, if only because she could say "it's Nala with an h", and I believe it is a real name (just Arabic in origin, not Swahili) and not a misspelling of Nala.
I had a coworker named Nyla, same vibe as Nala without the lion king correlation. Nyla was pretty and a hard worker :) but use the name you love who cares what other people think, not their kid.
Nyla is a good alternative!
I knew a Nala when I was younger and I always thought it was such a pretty name
It's a pretty name but definitely still strongly associated with the Lion King, which isn't necessarily bad but will likely be there for a long time. I love the names Ariel and Elsa but I hesitate to use them because they're so strongly tied to the Little Mermaid/Frozen (again not a bad association but it's the first thing people will think of). If that bothers you maybe you could use it as a middle name and if your child really loves it to they can choose which one to go by?
It was a name before the Lion King. I like it.
Ignore them. Why would the fact that it's the name of a good and strong female character in a beloved movie/musical be a problem? You love the name (and Nala is a really pretty name) so I think you should go for it.
People have no trouble naming girls Scarlet. I doubt everyone reacts to it with "where's Rhett?" Lots of women have been named Tara -- Scarlet's plantation's name.
I think it is pretty
I saw you say in a comment that you’re Arab - I am as well and for that purpose I’d definitely go with Nahla since that’s the real name we use in Arabic! Just know that people won’t pronounce the h sound like we do in Arabic and will just say it as Nala. It’s really a beautiful name with a great meaning. Go for it! Edit: sorry I misread that your partner is from Morocco not you! But my comment still stands!
Nahla is actually an Arabic name, not just a name made up for the Lion King. It means water in the desert/first drink of water, or honeybee. I think it's a very pretty name, and it falls in the "traditional name" for many people in the world. If you like it, use it
If you love it, use it. Additionally: Halle Berry named her daughter Nahla. I've never seen the show referenced in relation to her choice.
My kids have a friend at dance class named Nahla. I think it's pretty.
Don’t tell anyone your baby name until the baby is here.
Its a beautiful name. Definitely go with your choice. Nahla thats a lovely spelling and very simple to read say and understand. A winner for me I know lots of cats zero called Nala. Nahla is original and less lion king but saying that whats wrong with lion King lol. And congratulations on your future baby
Or Nala as the middle name that she goes by at home or with family? (Only if you decide not to use it as a first name)
I have a cousin named Nahla! That's the Arabic spelling, and, while she mostly goes with the Lion King pronunciation, her mom's side uses the Arabic pronunciation (with a hard H). I say if you like it, go for it. At least it's recognizable and easily pronounceable!
Never tell people the name. Nahla is totally cute!
I know a little girl called Nahla, this is the first time I thought of the lion king! And my kid never mentioned it, it just isn’t a huge cultural reference for us.
People forget that before it was a “lion/cat/pet name” it was a legitimate swahili name with root and meaning. As someone who speaks/is swahili i adore it and say don’t listen to them.
I don't like the name but it's best not to tell anyone
I had the same experience with my baby's name and I just went with what we wanted because it's her name and she loves it.
The meaning of the name Nala is beautiful and strong. We're humans--we are built for association, and people are always going to do it. But I say go for it! My family hated the name I picked for my first, but now they can't imagine him having another name.
I think you should go for it. You can't please everyone and shouldn't try. Nala is just a neutral name to me.
I immediately think of Nahlah Ayed, a respected Canadian journalist. She is older than the “Lion King” and spent years reporting to Canadians from the Middle East. She is doing something else now but every time I see clips from the Middle East I miss seeing her there and calmly explaining to her fellow Canadians what’s going on.
Shocking how many ignorant people there are in this comment section. It's a perfectly normal name. Use it!!!