Mowgli is a unique and exotic name of Indian origin, derived from the Hindi word "maungli," which means "frog." Despite its unusual meaning, Mowgli has gained popularity worldwide due to its association with the famous fictional character created by English author Rudyard Kipling.
Kipling introduced Mowgli, a human boy raised by wolves in the jungles of India, in his collection of stories called "The Jungle Book," published in 1894. The name was given to the boy by the wolf pack that adopted him, as they believed it sounded like the growling of wolves. In Kipling's tales, Mowgli learns the ways of the jungle and forms friendships with various animal characters such as Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, and Kaa the python.
The stories of Mowgli and his jungle adventures have been adapted into numerous films, stage productions, and animated versions, most notably Disney's "The Jungle Book" (1967) and its live-action remake in 2016. These adaptations have helped to popularize the name Mowgli worldwide.
In recent years, Mowgli has become an increasingly popular choice for parents looking for distinctive and memorable names for their children. Its exotic origins and association with Kipling's timeless stories contribute to its appeal. Despite its unconventional meaning, many find the name Mowgli captivating and charming, making it a unique option for those seeking something different from traditional baby names.
In conclusion, Mowgli is an Indian name of Hindi origin that means "frog." It gained worldwide popularity through Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book" stories and has since become a distinctive choice for parents looking for memorable names for their children. While its meaning might be unusual, the name Mowgli is captivating and charming, making it an attractive option for those seeking something different from traditional baby names.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Mowgli has seen a consistent level of popularity among parents choosing names for their newborns in the United States over the past few years.
Starting with 6 births in 2015, the number of babies named Mowgli fluctuated slightly but remained steady throughout the period from 2015 to 2020, with an average of about 5 births per year during this time. In fact, the name appeared on birth certificates a total of 38 times over these six years.
Interestingly, there was a small increase in popularity for the name Mowgli in recent years, as it rose back up to 6 births in 2022. This suggests that the name may be experiencing something of a resurgence among parents looking for unique and memorable names for their children.
Overall, while not one of the most popular or common names given to newborns in the United States, Mowgli has maintained a consistent presence as a choice for parents who wish to give their child an uncommon yet distinctive name.