By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 10 pages
of 10
Sanskrit
"god of the multitude"
The name of the elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom is rarely heard outside India.
Hindi
"pine or cedar"
Accessible, aromatic Indian name.
"to see, to perceive, to have vision"
Indian name similar in feel to some of the increasingly popular Russian names.
"a boy, a son"
Worldly name often heard in India, familiar here via the film Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.
"superior man"
Might translate, thanks to Darren connection.
English, Sanskrit
"berry"
More popularly used for girls, this peppy word name has been worn by football player Pepper Johnson (born Thomas and given the childhood nickname for sprinkling pepper on his cereal) and appears in…
"striped"
Known here via the son of Indira Gandhi, who himself became prime minister of India.
"charmed, beguiled"
Intriguing import.
"goddess of the moon"
Chandra is the name of the Hindu moon goddess last groovy when incense and meditation were hot new concepts but a new possibility with the resurgence of astrology and other non-Western spiritual…
"triumphant"
This variation of the popular Indian name Sanjay was borne by a popular-against-all-odds American Idol contestant.
"spring"
A name commonly used in India; Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess of learning.
"the beginning, or, happy"
Rhythmic and enchanting.
Persian, Turkish, Kurdish
This popular Muslim name would more easily translate to English-speaking cultures in its Bahar form.
Viro is an uncommon masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Latin roots, where "vir" means "man" or "hero," suggesting strength and masculinity. Alternatively, it could have…
"bliss"
Genuine Indian name some parents turn to as an Amanda alternative; also connected to a network of spiritual communities.
"circle"
A mandala is the magic circle of Buddhism and Hinduism, a powerful spiritual symbol used in art to represent the universe. It's also an important symbol in Jungian theory. As a first name, Mandala…
Unknown possibly Sanskrit "illustrious"
"illustrious"
Anoma is name occasionally seen in Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. Its meaning is unknown but likely related to the word meaning "illustrious". It is a name that could easily work in English-speaking…
Punjabi
"runaway"
Whatever its derivation, best known now in the version used by the jazzy singer, Sade.
"earth lord"
Ilesha is an unusual choice that will undoubtedly be confused with similar and far more common names such as Alicia and Elissa.
"sacred bells"
Kerani is a lovely Indo-Pakistani name that could be seen as the Karen of the multicultural future.
