In “The Lion King,” Simba’s childhood friend is Nala.
Nala grows up alongside Simba in the Pride Lands, and the two are shown exploring together as lion cubs. Their adventurous trip to the elephant graveyard leads to a dangerous encounter with the hyenas, from which Mufasa rescues them.
After Mufasa’s death and Simba’s exile, Nala becomes an adult hunter and remains a determined, responsible member of the pride. She eventually finds Simba in the jungle and persuades him to return home, challenge Scar, and reclaim his place as king.
The names in the alternatives are connected to the franchise but are not Simba’s childhood friend in the original 1994 film. Sarafina is Nala’s mother, Sarabi is Simba’s mother, and Kiara is Simba and Nala’s daughter in “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride.” Nala later becomes Simba’s mate and queen of the Pride Lands.