Niger is a unique and distinctive given name of Latin origin, meaning 'snow' in Latin. It has been used as a given name since the late 19th century, initially as a masculine name but later also used for females due to its unisex appeal. The name gained popularity through characters in literature, such as the protagonist Niger in Henry James's novel "The Europeans" (1878), and has been adopted by parents seeking unusual yet meaningful names for their children. The name is associated with strength and uniqueness, much like the river Niger from which it derives its meaning.
"Niger had 9 births each year from 1976 to 1977, and then 7 births in 1984, making a total of 25 births over this period."