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 | God's devotion |
| | | Boy | The warmth of the Sun |
| | |  Girl | Godavari river in India |
| | | Boy | Full of moral virtue |
| | | Boy | Moon |
| | | Girl | Same as tapi; Daughter of sun |
| | | Boy | A golden Boy |
| | | Girl | Goddess of the Sea |
| | | Boy | Star and moon |
| | | Boy | Lord of the stars |
| | |  Unisex | Glittering star |
| | | Boy | Protector |
| | | Girl | Star |
| | | Boy | Stary hair |
| | | Boy | Lord shiva |
| | | Girl | Goddess parvati |
| | | Girl | Starry night |
| | | Boy | Lord shiva |
| | | Boy | Mountain |
| | | Girl | Honey bee |
| | | Girl | A group of shining stars in the sky |
| | | Boy | Thunder |
| | | Girl | She who is born during the day |
| | | Boy | King of the Moon |
| | | Boy | Wave |
| | | Boy | Of the waves |
| | | Girl | A river |
| | | Girl | River yamuna |
| | | Boy | He who is a star |
| | | Boy | Star |
| | | Girl | Star |
| | | Boy | A brave man |
| | | Boy | Prince of stars |
| | | Boy | God of the stars (moon) |
| | | Girl | Flower shaped earring |
| | | Girl | Goddess Parvati |
| | | Boy | Lightning |
| | | Girl | Goddess Durga |
| | | Girl | The first finger |
| | | Boy | Prince of the stars |
| | | Boy | Name of Lord Shiva |
| | | Girl | Parvati |
| | | Girl | A radiant woman |
| | | Girl | A group of shining stars in the sky |
| | | Girl | Name of Goddess Durga |
| | | Boy | Third dimension; number three |
| | | Boy | A small boat |
| | | Boy | Heaven; Small boat |
| | | Boy | Refreshing |
| | | Girl | A Goddess |
| | | Girl | Of the tower; Rocky hill; Star |
| | | Boy | One who arrives after a long wait, or is desirable |
| | | Boy | One who was desired for a long time |
| | | Boy | A star that brings luck |
| | | Girl | Merry |
| | | Girl | A Crossing or intersection |
| | | Boy | Young |
| | | Boy | A young friend |
| | | Boy | The youthfulness |
| | | Girl | A young girl |
| | | Girl | Young girl |
| | | Girl | Youth |
| | | Boy | Morning sun |
| | | Boy | The light |
| | | Boy | Conqueror |
| | | Girl | A pumpkin |
| | | Girl | A small plant |
| | | Boy | God's salvation in heaven |
| | | Girl | Style, flair, charisma |
| | | Girl | Great accompishment |
| | | Boy | One who loves deeply |
| | | Unisex | Father; Cheerful |
| | | Boy | Title of Lord buddha |
| | | Boy | The one who is gone |
| | | Boy | Lord Buddha |
| | | Boy | A truthful fact |
| | | Girl | River |
| | | Girl | One who is absorbed in the ultimate truth |
| | | Boy | One who co-coordinates |
| | | Boy | The element |
| | | Boy | He who grants wisdom |
| | | Boy | Lord shiva |
| | | Boy | Enthusiastic and ambitious |
| | | Boy | Reinforcement |
| | | Boy | Pearl |
| | | Girl | Goddess Durga |
| | | Girl | Captivated by God |
| | | Girl | A little gem |
| | | Girl | Fierce leader |
| | | Boy | Holy place |
| | | Girl | Place of pilgrimage |
| | | Boy | A jain saint |
| | | Unisex | Delicate; Graceful; Talented |
| | | Boy | One who swings a sword |
| | | Boy | Brave warrior with a sword |
| | | Boy | He who wields the sword |
| | | Boy | A bright Boy |
| | | Boy | God of grandeur |
| | | Girl | One who wins God of greatness |
| | | Girl | She who won God of grandeur |
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
