Meaning, origin, history
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.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Mowgli since 1880
Total births
38
Total since 1880
Peak year
2015
6 births
in 2022
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+24%
↗
vs previous 5 years