Do you have an Indian heritage? Or is there someone in your family whom you want to honor by giving your little sunshine an Indian name?
No matter what your reason is, you are on the right page!
India is a huge country that has more than 19,500 dialects and languages. So, the baby names can differ depending on the region. This gives rise to tons of interesting names.
If you look at the baby names carefully, you will see that most of them are in Urdu and Hindi. They have roots in languages that are Indo-Aryan, such as Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian. These Indian names stem from tradition, religious text, ancient mythology, and the combination of many religions and cultures that stay side by side in that sub-continent.
To make this entire name-choosing experience a good one, I have come up with a list of the most gorgeous names in India.
So, are you ready to explore?
Read on.
The Best Indian Baby Names of all Time
What makes Indian names so unique is the fact that they come in a huge variety. You will have a huge collection of names to choose from.
Some names are timeless, as they never become old. Then there are modern names, classic names, quirky names, and names that have beautiful meanings.
I have included the best Indian baby names in this list. Keep scrolling!
Indian Baby Names for Girls
I find Indian girl names to be exotic. Most of them have a charming vibe, which makes them all the more attractive. The following is a list of such names to make your day!
Scroll down to read more.
- Anika
Anika is a sweet name that has its roots in multiple languages. While some say that it originated in the Sanskrit, Scandinavian, Hindu, and Arabic languages, others are of the belief that it has its roots in the Maori, Dutch, and Hebrew languages.
Anika sounds like the name of someone who can dance well. It holds the meanings of a sweet face, brilliance, and grace. And did you know that Goddess Durga is called Anika, too?
You can choose the spelling between Annika, Aneeka, and Anikha. It reached its peak popularity in 2003.
- Bhavini
Bhavini is a name that sounds spiritual to me. It has a mystical vibe to it as well. With its roots in the Sanskrit language, this name has multiple meanings. While some say that it means emotional and caring, others believe that it holds the meaning of a beautiful woman.
Did I tell you that Bhavini is the other name for the goddess Parvati?
You can go for the spelling Bhawini or Bhavani. A famous personality with this name is Bhavini Soni. She is an Indian actress and YouTuber.
- Chaaya
The name Chaaya has its roots in both the Hindi and Sanskrit languages of India. It has a mysterious vibe to it that makes it all the more enchanting.
You can choose the spelling Chhaya and Chaya also. It holds the meaning of reflection, shadow, and shade. You can find this name on the list of the most popular 1000 names in the USA. A famous personality with this name is Chaya Singh. She is an Indian actress.
- Diya
The birth of your child has filled your life with light and happiness, hasn’t it?
If you want to signify this through a name, Diya would be a good choice. It has its roots in the Arabic and Sanskrit languages and holds the meanings of radiant, light, glow, and lamp. Also, some say that it means “deserving of gifts.”
You can choose between Dia and Dhiya as well. This name is hugely popular in India, although in the USA, only a handful of girls carry this name.
- Eesha
Eesha is a beautiful name with a feminine vibe to it. It has its roots in both Arabic and Sanskrit languages.
If you want your baby to have a divine aura, you can choose the name Eesha for her. It has multiple meanings, including desire, supreme, attractive, divine, and way of life.
Eesha is also the other name of Goddess Parvati.
If you like the overall vibe of this name, you can choose from other variations, including Esha, Eisha, Eshah, and Esha. A famous personality with this name is Esha Koppikhar, an actress.
- Freya
Freya is an elegant name that has multiple roots, including Persian, Arabic, Norse, and Hindi. This name oozes beauty.
It holds the meaning of the goddess of love, noble and beloved. You can even choose one spelling from Friya, Freeya, Vera, Veera, Fara and Farra.
Do you know that according to Norse mythology, Freya is the name of the goddess of fertility?
It was at its peak popularity in the year 2020.
- Gauravi
While some say that the Indian name Gauravi has its roots in the Sanskrit language, others believe it originated in the Hindi language.
If you want your baby girl to be a lady of pride and honor when she grows up, you can give her this name.
You can choose the spelling of Gaurvi as well. A famous personality with this name is Gauravi Kumari. She is the Princess of Jaipur.
- Harshali
The name Harshali has its roots in both Hindi and Sanskrit languages. It sounds like the name of some high-class woman.
This is a perfect name for your little princess if you want her to be happy in life, as it holds the meaning of one who is happy.
Some other variations of this name are Harsha, Harshalee, and Harshaali.
Have you watched the superhit Hindi movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan? In that, the character of the main kid was played by Harshaali Malhotra. Although it is a popular name in India, it is a rare name in the USA.
- Ishani
Ishani is a pretty name with cute vibes. It has its roots in the Sanskrit language and can be perfect for your little girl if you want her name to have at least some connection to god.
While some believe that Ishani holds the meaning of desire, others say that it means close to god. Also, it is another name for Goddess Parvati. You can choose between Ishana and Ishaani. Ishani Sharma is a TV actress in India.
It is commonly used in India but not much used in other parts of the world, including the USA.
- Jiya
Jiya is a short and simple name that is given to tons of girls in India. It has a charming vibe that makes the parents prefer it so much.
It has its roots in the Hindi and Sanskrit languages and is perfect for your princess if you want her to have good luck and a pure soul. Jiya holds the meanings of luck, sweetheart, life, soul, spirit, and heart. You can choose between Jia and Jeeya.
It was at its peak popularity in the USA in the year 2008. If you have watched the TV show Timeless, you may know that it was the name of one of their main characters.
- Karishma
Did I tell you that I have a friend named Karishma?
This gorgeous name has its roots in the ancient Greek and Sanskrit languages. This can be a great name for your little one if you want her to be graceful when she grows up. Also, this will fit your girl well if you see her as a miracle in your life. It holds the meanings of favor, grace, gift, and miracle.
You can go for its alternate spelling, Karyshma, as well. A famous personality with this name is Karishma Kapoor. She is an Indian actress. This name became highly popular in 1995.
- Lavanya
I like unique names the most, as they are carried by fewer people. If you like the same, then the chances are that you will like the name Lavanya for your baby girl.
This name has its roots in the Sanskrit language and holds the meaning of charming, beautiful, and graceful.
You can even go for the spelling Laavanya. This name is all the vogue at the moment, not only in India but also in the USA. It was highly popular in the USA in the year 2004.
- Manasi
The name Manasi has a traditional vibe to it. It sounds like the name of some well-mannered, studious kind of girl.
With its roots in the Sanskrit language, it has some beautiful meanings. While some say that it holds the meaning of a spiritual adoration and deep intellect, others believe that it means “with a sound mind.”
You can choose any one name between Mansi, Maansi, and Maanasi. It was at its peak popularity in 2001.
Indian Baby Names for Boys
I find Indian boy names to be a mix of tradition, spirituality, and modernity. And that is what makes them unique. The following is a list of the best Indian names for your baby boy.
Sit back, go through this list, and choose the one that fits your little prince the most.
- Aahan
Aahan is a handsome name that has its roots in the Hindi and Sanskrit languages. It can fit your baby boy the best if he is born during dawn.
It has many other variations, including Ahan, Aahaan, and Ahaan. It holds the beautiful meaning of the first ray of light and dawn sunrise.
It was at its peak popularity in the year 2018 in the USA. A famous personality with this name is Ahaan Pandey. He is an actor and a model.
- Bhavesh
Bhavesh sounds like the name of someone of spiritual belief. This classic name has its roots in the Sanskrit language.
You can give this name to your son if you want him to have religious beliefs. It comes with the meaning of lord of existence and lord of emotions.
And did I tell you that Bhavesh is the name of Lord Shiva?
You can choose between Bhavish and Bhawesh. A famous personality with this name is Bhavesh Bhatia. He is an Indian entrepreneur. This name gained most of its popularity during the 1980s and 1990s.
- Chetan
The name Chetan sounds like the name of someone intelligent. If you want your baby boy to grow up as a wise person, you can give him this name.
Chetan has its roots in the Hindi and Sanskrit languages. It holds the meaning of intelligence, vigor, and spirit of life.
You can choose one from Chaitanya, Chetana, and Chethan. A famous personality with this name is Chetan Bhagat. He is a columnist and author from India.
- Devansh
This name has a God-like vibe to it. It sounds like the name of someone strong enough to provide protection to the weak.
While some say that Devansh has Hindi roots, others believe that it is rooted in the Sanskrit language.
It holds the meaning of part of God. You can choose between its other variants including Devanshu, Dewansh, and Devaansh. A famous Indian director and actor is Devansh Doshi.
- Eshaan
Eshaan is a cute name that has its roots in Urdu, Hindi, and Sanskrit languages. It has a youthful vibe to it, which makes it all the more attractive to parents.
If your baby is born after a long wait, you can give him this name. It holds the meaning of wish and desire. Some people say that it means the northeast direction, and then there are others who say that it translates to Lord Shiva.
You can go for the spelling Ishan or Eshan as well. Eshaan Akbar is the name of an English writer and comedian.
- Farhan
Farhan is a classy name. It sounds like the name of someone belonging to an aristocratic family. With its roots in the Persian language, this name can suit your happy son the most, as it holds the meaning of “joyful.”
Farhaan and Faran are the two variants of this name.
A famous personality with this name is Farhan Akhtar. He is an Indian movie director and actor. It is a common name in India and was at its peak popularity during the 1980s and 1990s.
- Hitesh
Hitesh is a traditional Indian name and has a spiritual side to it. It has its origin in the Hindi and Sanskrit languages.
Hitesh is the Lord of goodness and holds the meaning of one who thinks well of everyone. You can choose the spelling Hitish as well.
A famous personality with this name is Hitesh Ceon. He is a composer, producer, and songwriter from Iceland.
- Ishank
If you want to give your son a unique name, Ishank would be a good choice. Originating in the Sanskrit language, this name has a stylish vibe.
It holds the meaning of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Also, some say that it means the peak of the Himalayas.
Eshank is the other spelling of this name. A famous personality with this name is Ishank Jaggi. He is an Indian cricketer.
- Kunal
The name Kunal has a posh vibe to it. It sounds like the name of someone serene and belonging to a high-class family.
Originating in the Sanskrit language, Kunal holds the meaning of one who sees beauty in everything. Also, some say that it means lotus.
Kunaal is the other variation of this name. This was at its highest peak in the USA during the 1990s.
Kunal Kapoor is an Indian actor.
- Milan
You may already know that Milan is the name of an Italian city. But did you know that it is an Indian name for boys?
The name Milan sounds elegant and pure. It has many origins. Some say it is rooted in the German and Italian languages, and then there are others who say that it originated in the Old Slavic, Hindi, and Sanskrit languages.
Meelan and Milaan are the other variants of this name. It holds the meaning of favor, grace, joining together to meet, and union.
- Onkar
Onkar is a name with religious undertones. While some say it has Hindi roots, there are others who say it has Gurmukhi roots.
You can choose the spelling Omkar as well. This name had made a place for itself in the USA in the 20s.
It holds the meaning of the sacred symbol Om, the one and almighty god. If you want your little prince to grow religious values, you can give him this name.
Gender-Neutral Indian Baby Names
Gender-neutral names will always be popular, all thanks to the fact that both girls and boys can carry them. If you are a parent who likes names that don’t belong to any specific gender, then this section is for you!
- Abhaya
Abhaya is a strong name that can fit both your son and daughter. This would be a great name choice if you want your little one to be courageous.
Originating in India, this name holds the meaning of someone who is fearless.
- Bharpoor
They say money can’t buy happiness, but mental peace does. If you are someone who believes this saying and wants your baby to have a peaceful and content life, Bharpoor would be a good name for them.
This unisex name holds the meaning of satisfied and is the perfect one.
- Chaital
Chaital sounds like the name of someone intelligent. If you want your little one to be good at remembering things, you can give them the name Chaital.
It is not much used in the USA and holds the meaning of the one who has a sharp memory.
- Dinamani
The sun is the brightest star. It can brighten up the entire universe with its light, similar to how your baby can lighten up your entire world.
If you want to give your baby a name that signifies the same, you can give them the name Dinamani. This pretty name holds the meaning of the sun or the jewel of the day.
- Ekam
Ekam is a name that has been used in many TV series in the Hindi language. It has a peaceful vibe to it, which makes it sound all the more serene.
This unisex name holds the meaning of spirituality, unity, solitary, and oneness.
- Guddu
Isn’t this name cute? Guddu is a short and sweet name that can fit your baby perfectly if you want people to love them.
The best thing about this name is that you can give it to both your son and daughter. It translates to flower. Also, some say that Guddu means sweet.
- Hansa
Unique names never fail to mesmerize me with their beauty. And Hansa is one such name. This gender-neutral Indian name can fit your little bundle of joy if you want it to have a calm aura.
Hansa holds the meaning of Swan. You can choose the spelling Hansaa as well.
- Jaspreet
If you want your baby girl or boy to have religious roots, Jaspreet would be a good name for them.
This name has a sweetness to it, which makes it all the more attractive. It holds the meaning of one who sings praises of the Lord.
- Kalpaka
Do you want your baby to have great imagination power? How about the unisex name Kalpaka?
This is an uncommon name that has a modern vibe to it. It holds the meaning of” ceremony” and “imagination.”
- Lahari
Are you a beach person? Can you spend hours watching the waves meeting the shore?
Then you can give your baby the name Lahari. No matter the gender of your little sunshine, it will match them perfectly, all thanks to its unisex nature.
It holds the meaning of wave.
Conclusion
Indian baby names have a certain exotic vibe that always keeps them in demand, especially for parents of Indian heritage.
I hope you liked my list of Indian names for your little bundle of joy.
Which of them did you shortlist? Which one is your favorite?
Let me know in the comments!