Deciding the name of a newborn is always a special event for all parents in Indian families. The parents start thinking about many names and preparing for the naming ceremony once their child is born. Even though you can give modern or unique names to your baby, names rooted in Indian culture have their charm.
The rich and diverse Indian culture touches all aspects of people’s lives. Such culture and traditions also play a crucial role in deciding a baby’s name. You can give a short or long name that has deep meaning and is related to Indian religion, mythology, or history. Here, you will learn the best baby names by Indian culture depending on different religions.
I. Hindu Names
Newborns bring celebrations and joy to any household. Hindu baby names are no longer outdated and old-fashioned. They can sound quite modern with deep meanings. Check the list of Hindu names with meanings to pick the best name for your baby.
Boys Names
Meaning
Aahan
morning or dawn
Advay
unique or one of a kind
Divit
divine or blessed
Eshan
Lord Shiva or ruler
Ishaan
Lord Shiva or sun
Kian
grace or ancient
Nirav
calm or serene
Reyansh
ray of light or part of Lord Vishnu
Virat
big or powerful
Viyan
sky or heaven
Girls Names
Meaning
Aahana
inner light or dawn
Anvika
powerful or brave
Anya
unique or different
Eshana
desire or wish
Ishika
divine or sacred
Kavya
poem or poetry
Mahika
earth or goddess Durga
Nyra
beauty or grace
Vanya
forest or wilderness
Vrishti
rain or blessing
II. Muslim Names
“Tasmiyah” is an event of naming a child in Islam, where parents choose their baby’s name having a positive meaning that reflects strength, peace, or wisdom. The baby names constantly remind them of their spiritual values and identity that guided them from childhood. Check the list of Muslim names with meanings to choose the best name for your baby.
Boys Names
Meaning
Adam
man or first prophet’s name
Ahmad
most commendable or prophet’s name
Amir
prince or leader
Ayaan
gift of God or destiny
Farhan
joyful or happy
Ibrahim
father of nations or prophet’s name
Omar
flourishing or long lived
Rayyan
gate of heaven or fragrant herb
Yusuf
God increases or prophet’s name
Zayn
beauty or grace
Girls Names
Meaning
Aaliyah
high or exalted
Aisha
alive or prosperous
Amira
princess or leader
Aysha
alive or lively
Fatima
captivating or daughter of the prophet
Hana
happiness or bliss
Layla
night or dark beauty
Leila
night or dark beauty
Sara
princess or noble lady
Zara
princess or flower
III. Sikh Names
Sikh baby names are significant as they are rooted in Guru Granth’s sacred teachings that reflect Sikhism’s rich history. The Sikhs celebrate the “naam karan ceremony” at the Gurudwara two weeks after their baby’s birth, where the parents and guests offer to the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhs’ holy book. Check the list of Sikh names with meanings to choose the best name for your baby.
Boys Names
Meaning
Ajeet
victorious or invincible
Arjan
brave or courageous
Aman
peace or tranquility
Balraj
king or ruler of strength
Gurpreet
love for the Guru or divine love
Harman
beloved or cherished
Jivan
life or soul
Navtej
new light or divine radiance
Ranjit
victorious or triumphant
Sukhdev
god of peace or happiness
Girls Names
Meaning
Anoop
incomparable or unique
Gurleen
absorbed in the Guru’s love or divine knowledge
Harleen
beloved of God or divine light
Jasleen
absorbed in praise or divine song
Kiran
ray of light or beam of sunlight
Manpreet
love for the mind or heart
Navjot
new light or new flame
Rajinder
queen or ruler of the kingdom
Satwant
one who desires truth or honesty
Simran
remembrance or meditation
IV. Christian Names
If you are a Christian family, a Biblical baby name may be perfect for your newborn. The Biblical names are usually inspired by the Bible’s most eminent personalities. You can find many classic names from both the Old and New Testaments and unique names having special Christian meanings. Check the list of Christian names with meanings to choose the best name for your baby.
Boys Names
Meaning
Alexander
Defender of the people
Benjamin
Son of the right hand
Noah
Rest or comfort
Elijah
My God is Yahweh
Ethan
Strong or enduring
James
Supplanter or one who follows
Liam
Strong willed warrior
Lucas
Light or illumination
Matthew
Gift of God
Samuel
Heard by God or God has heard
Girls Names
Meaning
Amelia
Work of the Lord or industrious
Ava
Life or living one
Charlotte
Free or strong
Emma
Whole or universal
Grace
Elegance or divine favor
Harper
Harp player or musician
Isabella
Devoted to God or God’s promise
Mia
Mine or beloved
Olivia
Olive tree or symbol of peace
Sophia
Wisdom or knowledge
V. Jain Names
Jainism-inspired names hold the significance of Jain culture’s rich heritage. Such names reflect values, compassion, strength, and wisdom. Every name has a deep-rooted meaning acquired from the symbols, religious texts, or iconic figures of the Jain community. A monk or scholar helps a Jain family to choose a baby name in Namkaran Sanskar, the Jainism naming ceremony. Check the list of Jain names with meanings to choose the best name for your baby.
Boys Names
Meaning
Aarav
peaceful or wise
Arjun
bright or shining
Dev
god or divine
Kunal
lotus or compassionate
Nikhil
whole or complete
Pranav
sacred sound or Om
Rahul
efficient or capable
Rishi
sage or wise man
Siddharth
One who achieves his goal (related to Lord Buddha’s birth name)
Yash
success or fame
Girls Names
Meaning
Ananya
unique or matchless
Aisha
living or prosperous
Ishika
divine or goddess
Kavya
poem or literature
Maya
illusion or magic
Nisha
night or darkness
Ritu
season or time
Riya
singer or melody
Sanika
flute or musical instrument
Tara
star or goddess
VI. Parsi Names
Parsi names are perfect if you want a uniquely cultural name for your baby. Parsis follow the patronymic system to name their babies, where the first name is decided, and the second name is the father’s name. The meaningful Parsi names reflect the religion’s spiritual values and heritage. Check the list of Parsi names with meanings to choose the best name for your baby.
Boys Names
Meaning
Ardashir
Righteous ruler
Cyrus
Sun or throne
Darius
Possessing goodness
Farhad
Happiness or cheerfulness
Hormuz
God of victory
Jamshed
Immortal
Kian
King or royal
Navid
Good news or bearer of good news
Rustom
Brave warrior
Zoroastrian
Follower of the Zoroastrian religion
Girls Names
Meaning
Anahita
Goddess of fertility, water, and wisdom
Behnaz
Best coquetry or charming gaze
Darya
Sea or ocean
Fariba
Charming or captivating
Laila
Night or dark beauty
Parvaneh
Butterfly
Roshan
Bright or light
Shirin
Sweet or pleasant
Soraya
Gem or princess
Yasmin
Jasmine flower or fragrant flower
VII. Buddhist Names
Buddhist names leave a positive impression on people. The enlightened and peaceful sound of such names makes the babies seem approachable, relaxed, and amiable. Buddhist names are not purely traditional and they give cues to the goals and virtues of the babies and their parents. Check the list of Buddhist names with meanings to choose the best name for your baby.