By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 10 pages
of 10
Hindi
"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…
"sun"
This lovely, rhythmic Hindu nature name relates to the mythical Kalinda Mountains, from which a sacred river flows. Kalinda Sharma is a major character on the TV show The Good Wife , making Kalinda…
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.
"giver of life"
A hauntingly lovely Indian name.
"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.
Yasiman is a feminine name with Persian origins, likely derived from "Yasmin" (jasmine). The name evokes the delicate, sweet-scented jasmine flower, symbolizing beauty, purity, and grace. Yasiman is…
Hindi-Sanskrit
"mother or legendary bird"
Delicate and lacy, with less emphasis on the jar syllable.
"a lotus"
Intriguing, if a bit vowel-heavy.
"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…
"beautiful smile"
Susmita, also spelled Sushmita which more accurately reflects its pronunciation, is an Indian or Bengali name widely unknown in the Western World but with definite potential.
