Nefertari is a female given name of Egyptian origin, derived from the ancient Egyptian words "nefer" meaning beautiful and "tari" meaning companion or friend. Therefore, the name Nefertari translates to "the beautiful companion."
The name Nefertari was borne by several prominent figures in ancient Egypt. The most famous one was Nefertari Meritetra Metrnere, the wife of Ramses II, one of the most powerful pharaohs of Ancient Egypt during the 19th Dynasty (around 1279-1213 BCE). She is often referred to as "Nefertari the Beautiful" due to her stunning beauty. Nefertari played a significant role in Egyptian politics and was considered a great queen. She had numerous children with Ramses II, including four sons who became pharaohs themselves.
Another notable figure named Nefertari was Nefertari II, wife of Ramses III during the 20th Dynasty (around 1198-1166 BCE). Like her predecessor, she also played an essential role in court and had several children with Ramses III.
In modern times, the name Nefertari has gained popularity as a given name for girls. It is often associated with elegance, beauty, and strength, reflecting the qualities of its historic bearers. Despite its ancient origins, Nefertari remains a unique and captivating name that continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters around the world.
The name Nefertari experienced significant popularity spikes in recent years, with a marked increase from 34 births in 2016 to 170 births from 2017 to 2023 combined. Before this period, the name had relatively stable popularity, fluctuating between 5 and 12 births per year over the span of four decades (1970-2010).