Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
India, with its culinary delights, magnificent landscapes, amazing locales, gorgeous cultural heritage sites, and diverse terrain, has been a subject of fascination since time immemorial. So it should be no surprise that Indian baby names are excessively popular all over the world. Linguistic diversity is reflected in the names across the country. Also, the naming convention in India varies from region to region. While North Indians are given two to three names comprising a given name, father’s name (optional), and surname, South Indians add even the ancestral town or village name to the given name and father’s name. Since the first two components of a South Indian name are quite long, they are initialized. ‘Namkaran,’ or naming ceremony, is performed in almost every region of India. It’s believed that the ‘Namkaran’ ceremony creates and strengthens the bond between the baby and the rest of the family. The ceremony is usually performed on the 12th day after the birth of the child but may vary from custom to custom and region to region. Indians typically refer to the Puranas and other religious texts for choosing an ideal name. Naming children after elders or ancestors is also an evergreen trend among Indian families. Parents may also choose from the names of historical or religious figures to preserve their heritage. Selecting names that refer to human values admired in Indian society is also common. Some families consult ancient scriptures or check astrological charts to derive the best-suited name for their child. This practice reflects a deep understanding of the interconnection between names, destinies, and the cosmic order. Of late, parents have started to create names that have traditional significance but are written in different spelling to seem relevant to modern times. Browse through our extensive database of Indian baby boy and girl names to find the perfect one for your bundle of joy.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  Boy | Village god |
| | | Boy | Meek |
| | | Boy | A name of the Lord Perumal |
| | |  Unisex | A person who is beautiful inside out |
| | | Boy | Good looking |
| | |  Girl | Handsome |
| | | Girl | The most beautiful of women |
| | | Boy | Gift |
| | | Unisex | Happy; Fortunate |
| | | Boy | Illumined |
| | | Girl | Bright |
| | | Boy | Bright |
| | | Boy | Good country |
| | | Boy | Good diety |
| | | Boy | Good deva |
| | | Girl | Wife of Lord Krishna |
| | | Girl | Nectar; Earth; Daughter |
| | | Boy | Mine of nectar |
| | | Boy | Full of nectar |
| | | Boy | Moon |
| | | Boy | Moon |
| | | Boy | Moon |
| | | Boy | possessor of good wealth or one who has a good fortune |
| | | Boy | Lord vishnu |
| | | Boy | The name of a Gandhar of Bhagwan Mahavir; Good law |
| | | Boy | Lord of nectar |
| | | Boy | A Scholar |
| | | Boy | Lord of knowledge |
| | | Boy | Resolute; Brave |
| | | Girl | A courageous and calm woman |
| | | Boy | Lord of excellent intellect |
| | | Boy | Kind |
| | | Girl | Goddess lakshmi |
| | | Boy | He is a bright young man |
| | | Boy | Bright |
| | | Girl | Bright |
| | | Girl | Dazzling bright |
| | | Boy | Bright |
| | | Girl | Bright; Shining |
| | | Boy | Sweet smelling; Fragrance |
| | | Girl | Fragrany; Yellow Juhi |
| | | Boy | The name of Lord Buddha |
| | | Girl | Another name of Goddess Parvati |
| | | Boy | One with a melodious voice |
| | | Girl | Beautifully sung |
| | | Boy | One with a graceful neck |
| | | Boy | Intelligent |
| | | Girl | A woman of charming personality |
| | | Girl | One who is of pleasant nature |
| | | Boy | Laughter |
| | | Boy | One with a sweet smile; Sweet smiled |
| | | Girl | A woman who always has a smile on her face |
| | | Girl | One with beautiful laughter or a smile |
| | | Girl | Beautiful |
| | | Boy | Well-disposed |
| | | Girl | Well-disposed |
| | | Boy | Good-hearted |
| | | Girl | A well-born girl |
| | | Boy | Affectionate |
| | | Girl | Affectionate |
| | | Boy | Honest |
| | | Boy | Illustrious |
| | | Boy | Belonging to a good clan |
| | | Girl | Of good caste; Beauty |
| | | Girl | One who belongs to a good caste |
| | | Boy | Victory |
| | | Girl | Victory |
| | | Boy | Universal being |
| | | Girl | She who is of noble birth |
| | | Boy | Victory |
| | | Boy | One who brings victory |
| | | Boy | Wind |
| | | Boy | Handsome |
| | | Boy | Handsome |
| | | Girl | Beautiful damsel |
| | | Boy | One who does good deeds |
| | | Boy | Reciter of 1000 samhitas |
| | | Boy | With beautiful |
| | | Girl | One with beautiful hair |
| | | Boy | Of good banner, flag |
| | | Boy | Lord shiva |
| | | Boy | Lord rama |
| | | Boy | Pleasurable |
| | | Boy | Lord shiva |
| | | Boy | He who is very peaceful |
| | | Boy | God of happiness |
| | | Boy | Lord of happiness |
| | | Girl | A very happy person |
| | | Boy | He who is a giver of happiness |
| | | Boy | He who gives and spreads happiness |
| | | Boy | One who is a Lord of happiness and a warrior of peace |
| | | Unisex | Peaceful soul |
| | | Girl | She who is a peace bringer |
| | | Boy | A friend who brings peace |
| | | Boy | The bliss that the naam brings |
| | | Boy | To achieve victory |
| | | Girl | She who is the Queen of love and peace |
| | | Boy | He who is a true embodiment of peace |
| | | Boy | Full of happiness; Pleasant |
| | | Boy | Extremely beautiful |
Indian baby names represent the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and deep spiritual knowledge. Indian naming traditions depict a profound reverence for their ancestors, traditional beliefs, and customs. These names are linked to ancient scriptures, natural elements, human virtues, and astrological alignments. They also honor historical, religious, and mythological figures. A reflection of values cherished by Indian families, these baby names have a timeless appeal that most parents find fascinating.
Infographic: Elegant Indian Baby Names
Indian culture embodies the word 'diversity' perfectly. Since several languages are spoken in the country, you will find many unique and charming names to choose from for your baby. You are likely never to run out of choices! Thus, to make your search simpler, we have compiled the best ones in the following infographic.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some popular Indian baby names?
In 2022, Aditi, Inaya, and Aarya emerged as the top three favorite Indian names for baby girls. Mohammad, Shivansh, and Dhruv were the favored Indian boy names of 2022, making them the most popular choices for parents.
2. What is the meaning of the name "Aarav"?
Aarav, a Sanskrit name, carries the beautiful meanings of ‘calm noise’ and ‘melodious music,’ making it a popular choice for baby boys.
3. What are some Hindi baby names based on Hindu mythology?
Arjun, a Hindi name meaning 'white' or 'clear,' is inspired by Hindu mythology, where Arjuna was a courageous prince and skilled archer in the Mahabharata. Nandini, meaning ‘a woman who brings joy,' is an Indian name associated with Hindu mythology, used to address Goddess Parvati and represent her divine grace and beauty through one of her eight eternal companions.
4. What are some gender-neutral Hindi baby names?
Some gender-neutral Hindi baby names are Shakti, meaning ‘power,’ Kiran, meaning ‘a ray of light,’ and Bhavya meaning ‘grand’ or ‘splendid.’
5. What are some Hindi baby names that are easy to pronounce for non-Hindi speakers?
Some Hindi baby names that are easy to pronounce for non-Hindi speakers are Aanya meaning ‘limitless,’ Arjun meaning ‘white’ or ‘clear,’ Maya meaning ‘illusion,’ and Rohan meaning ‘ascending.’
6. What are some Indian baby names that have musical significance?
Hindi baby names like Swara, meaning ‘musical tone,’ Raag meaning ‘musical,’ Aarohi meaning ‘a music tone,’ and Geet meaning ‘song,’ have musical meanings. They are connected to music and represent different aspects of Indian musical culture.
7. What are some Indian baby names that have a strong connection to Indian history?
Ashoka, Bhagat, Akbar, Indira, Shivaji, and Subhash are Hindi baby names that hold historical significance, being linked to renowned figures and events in Indian history.
8. What are some Indian baby names that are inspired by Indian cities or landmarks?
The name Abu, meaning 'father,' draws inspiration from Mt Abu in Rajasthan. Similarly, the masculine name Anand is also the name of a place in Gujarat. Additionally, the feminine names Ganga, Godavari, and Kabani have been derived from the names of prominent Indian rivers.
9. What are some Indian baby names that have a meaning related to strength or courage?
Veer, Sahas, Himmat, and Shakti are Indian baby names related to strength, valor, or courage.
10. How do Indian parents incorporate astrology and numerology into naming their children?
Indian parents often seek guidance from astrology and numerology when naming their children. They consider the child's birth chart, zodiac sign, and favorable planetary alignments to select a name believed to bring good luck and positive vibes to their child's life.
- Author
- Fact-checker
Read full bio of Kavita Kankani
