Indian Names

Gita

Sanskrit; Latvian; Czech "song; pearl or strength or exalted one"

"song; pearl or strength or exalted one"

A simple, international name extremely popular in India. The word, meaning "song", also appears in the name of the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu sacred text. Geeta is a spelling variant. Gita has also seen…

Indira

Sanskrit

"beauty"

A striking and feminine possibility associated with a modern hero — long-time Indian prime minister, Indira Gandhi. It is also a significant choice within Hinduism, as it is used as an alternative…

Kashmir

Sanskrit, Southwest Asian place-name

Soft and alluring, much like the similarly named cloth, but might have political implications.

Lakshmi

Sanskrit

"a lucky omen"

Often heard in India, this is the name of the Hindu goddess of abundance, beauty, and prosperity, the embodiment of grace and charm --lucky omens indeed. The goddess Lakshmi is worshiped daily in…

Lalita

Sanskrit

"playful, charming"

Lolita without the naughty implications.

Leela

Sanskrit

"play"

While Leela may be a spelling variation of Lila or Leila, it's also an Indian name in its own right with a playful meaning. And unlike it's more popular Western sisters, Leela does not create…

Padma

Sanskrit

"lotus"

A name rich in Hindu tradition as the alternate name for the Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of beauty and charm; currently borne, appropriately, by model-actress-writer Padma Lakshmi.

Parvati

Sanskrit

"the daughter of the mountain"

This Hindu goddess name is very popular in India. The goddess of love, fertility and devotion, representing female force, Parvati is the wife of Shiva and the mother of Ganesh. There is a Harry…

Pavana

Sanskrit

"peacock"

If there are too many Savannahs in your neighborhood, you might consider this. Pavana is a Hindu goddess of the wind.

Rajani

Sanskrit

"dark, of the night"

Lots of charm.

Rama

Sanskrit

"lofty"

This name of a revered Hindu deity is heard in several cultures.

Ramana

Sanskrit

"beautiful"

Has a sound as lovely as its meaning.

Ranie

Ranie is a gentle feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Rainie or Rainey, connecting it to rain and suggesting a fresh, natural quality. Alternatively, it…

Ranee

Ranee is a feminine name derived from the Sanskrit word 'rani' meaning 'queen' or 'princess.' It represents the female equivalent of 'raja' (king) and has been used as a title for the wife of a raja…

Rania

Arabic, Greek

"to gaze, to look; heavenly"

As an Arabic name, Rania is a variation of Raniya, ultimately derived from the Arabic word ranā meaning "to gaze" or "side look". Other descendants of this root include Ranya and Rana itself.…

Rishi

Sanskrit

"sage"

Wise, with vivacity.

Rohana

Sanskrit

"sandalwood"

A multicultural choice with a variety of meanings, Rohana could make an interesting alternative to Johanna, Rosanna, Rowan, Rowena, or Roshan. It may be considered a variation of the Hindi Rohan,…

Taj

Arabic

"crown"

Taj is a cool new name with ancient Eastern roots. While Taj can work for either sex, Taja might be a feminine alternative.

Uma

Sanskrit, Hebrew

"light, peace, nation"

Uma is a sweet, strong name for a Hindu goddess... and a Hollywood one. But as popular as Uma Thurman is, other parents have not yet picked up on her name, making it a rarity. Uma is one of the more…