By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 9 pages
of 9
Hindi
"music, song"
Both graceful and melodious.
"holy river"
Soft and rhythmic.
"intelligent, smart"
If meaning were destiny, this would start a boy off on the right foot.
"goat"
Retro musical reference to classic Steely Dan rock album, but mostly for girls today.
"mighty sword"
Unusual Asian option, and also the name of the Dwarf Lord from Lord of the Rings .
"wanderer"
The name of the visionary second-century BC Indian physician, a definer of diseases and believer in a sound mind and body: a worthy inspiration.
"of the nation"
Attractive Indian name unfamiliar to most Western parents.
"ruler of the gods"
An imposing meaning, an appealing sound.
"rich"
Dhani is a haunting Hindi name for boys that's a million miles away from the similar-sounding Danny or Donny. One notable namesake is musician Dhani Harrison, look-alike son of Beatle George. He is…
Indian, Hindi, Sanskrit
"lotus"
Derived from the Sanskrit word nalini meaning "lotus", Nalin holds spiritual significance in Hinduism where it is associated with divine beauty and spiritual awakening, while in Buddhism, it…
"protector"
Another name for the Hindu god-Vishnu.
"canal"
A name associated with the Indian prime minister.
"flowery tree"
Could be used in an Indian family for a garden-lover's son.
Greek
"all or shepherd"
Pan is the Greek god with the legs of a goat and the body of a pipes-playing man known for his mischievousness. Pan is also the god of shepherds, pastures, and fertility. Pan is also a Hindi name…
"greatest"
Though meaningful in its own culture, would make a challenging crossover.
"light, lantern"
One of the more familiar Hindu choices, with built-in depth and a suggestion of enlightenment.
"born in autumn"
A pleasant seasonal name.
"proud, fabulous"
A Hindi name with a wonderful meaning.
"water god"
Unusual and simple: a winning combination. But it was the name of a fifteen-thousand-ton monster in a midcentury "Godzilla" movie.
Indian place name
Kerala, the name of the most beautiful and touristed state of India, has recently debuted on the U.S. extended popularity list as a first name for girls . And why not? Kerala sounds lovely and…
