Purpose or intention; also a historical West African capital.
In Swahili, the name is often associated with purpose or 'what is intended.' It also carries significant historical weight as the name of the ancient capital of the Mali Empire, the home of Mansa Musa.
Less common today
Niani isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #5,821 in 1995.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
