King, or hollow reed
In Sanskrit, Nalan (often appearing as Nala) refers to a legendary king in Hindu mythology known for his skill with horses and cooking. In Turkish, it is more commonly a feminine name meaning 'one who groans or laments,' though the Sanskrit masculine 'king' association is the primary root for boys.
Less common today
Nalan isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #6,042 in 2017.
US births per 5-year period, 1990βpresent (SSA data).
A legendary king of the Nishadha Kingdom in Hindu mythology