Indian names
- Kamal
Origin:
Hindi; ArabicMeaning:
"lotus; perfect, perfection"Description:
Kamal carries two positive associations: one of the ninety-nine qualities of Allah listed in the Quran and the evocative lotus flower. Americans might recognize it as the male equivalent of Kamala, as in Vice President Kamala Harris.
- Kamala
Origin:
Hindi, HawaiianMeaning:
"lotus or pale red; or, a garden"Description:
A multicultural name that manages to sound soft and strong at the same time, Kamala is also another name for the Hindu goddess Lakshmi.
- Meena
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"blue semiprecious stone, bird"Description:
Interesting multi-cultural option.
- Shreya
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"fortunate, auspicious"Description:
Shreya is an Indian name with several positive meanings--beautiful, fortunate, auspicious, favorable--and ties to the goddess Lakshmi.
- Anjali
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"gift"Description:
This Indian name meaning gift or offering feels familiar via sound-alikes Angela or Angelina, and made a brief appearance on the U.S. Top 1000. Anjali is a pretty route to a name that's at once easy to understand and uncommon.
- Isha
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"master, lord"Description:
A short and sweet Hindi name which has been relatively popular in the UK – peaking at #280 there in 2003.
- Devan
Description:
Devan is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins, making it an interesting cross-cultural choice. In Sanskrit, it derives from "deva" meaning "divine" or "god," while in Irish it's a variant of Devon, originally a place name referring to the county in England. The name has gained moderate popularity in the United States since the 1980s as parents sought modern-sounding alternatives to traditional names. Devan has a contemporary feel while maintaining a connection to ancient traditions. It's sometimes used for girls as well, though less commonly. The name conveys strength and uniqueness without being too unconventional, balancing modern appeal with subtle cultural depth.
- Amin
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"faithful, trustworthy"Description:
Amin is a simple but strong name with a solid meaning. It was borne by the sixth Abbasid caliph, a ruler of the Abbasid Muslim Empire in the 9th century, a descendant of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.
- Nikhil
Description:
Nikhil is a masculine name of Sanskrit origin popular in India and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. The name derives from the Sanskrit word 'akhila' meaning 'complete' or 'whole', with the prefix 'ni' adding emphasis, thus Nikhil essentially means 'complete', 'perfect', or 'all-encompassing'. In Hindu philosophy, it can relate to the concept of completeness or universality. Nikhil has maintained steady popularity in India and has gained increased recognition globally in recent decades. It's appreciated for its pleasant sound, meaningful etymology, and ease of pronunciation across different languages. The name is often associated with intelligence, perfection, and wholeness, making it a thoughtful choice for parents seeking a name with positive connotations and cultural significance.
- Vijay
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"conquering"Description:
Classic Indian name with a winning meaning — literally.
- Arun
Origin:
Masculinization of Aruna, Sanskrit, HindiMeaning:
"reddish brown"Description:
Arun is the common masculinization of the name Aruna, the Hindu god who drives the sun god Surya across the sky in his chariot. Aruna is also used as a female name.
- Nayana
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"beautiful eyes"Description:
Hip-swayingly evocative.
- Krish
Origin:
Diminutive of Krishna, Hindi, SanskritMeaning:
"black, dark"Description:
Although Krishna is popular in India, only this diminutive variation made the US Top 1000 in 2013. It also features in the UK Top 1000, appealing in its simplicity, ability to work in multiple languages and spiritual significance.
- Arnav
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"ocean"Description:
This popular Indian name is heard in the US. Bollywood actor Akshay Khanna has a son named Arnav.
- Aditya
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"belonging to Aditi"Description:
Aditi's seven children, Hindu Gods, are named Aditya.
- Anisha
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"lord"Description:
A multi-cultural choice overflowing with charm.
- Mala
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"necklace, garland"Description:
Mala is one of those names that's both simple and striking, easy to pronounce yet unfamiliar to many English speakers.
- Rajiv
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"striped"Description:
Known here via the son of Indira Gandhi, who himself became prime minister of India.
- Keva
Description:
Keva is a feminine name with diverse origins. In Hebrew, it derives from the name Akiva, meaning 'to protect' or 'shelter.' It also has Gaelic roots, where it can be a variant of Caoimhe, meaning 'gentle,' 'beautiful,' or 'precious.' In Slavic languages, Keva may be a diminutive form of names containing the element 'kev.' The name has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Keva has a contemporary sound with a melodic two-syllable rhythm, making it appealing to parents seeking a short but meaningful name with cross-cultural significance.
- Veena
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"lute"Description:
Alternate transcription of Vina, a pretty Sanskrit name with a musical meaning.