Sanskrit Names

Almost unknown in the western world, Gyan comes from a Sanskrit word for knowledge. It may appeal to parents looking for a name influenced by eastern philosophy, like Bodhi or Zen.

To most Americans, Jena would be a sleeker spelling of Jenna, pronounced JEHN-a. But it can also be pronounced JEEN-a or, as the Arabic Jena, more like JAY-na. Actress Jena Malone says it the first way, but however you pronounce it, it's a perfectly pleasant if somewhat confusing name.

Literary Indian choice, best known here via acclaimed writer Ved Mehta, who lost his sight at the age of four.

The name of the elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom is rarely heard outside India.

Evokes picture-postcard image of colorful Indonesia. Bali Barret is a Paris fashion insider who oversees women's style for Hermes. Bali rhymes with tally or galley.

A popular name in India, several famous Indian women carry this sweet sounding name.

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

Wise, with vivacity.

Might translate, thanks to Darren connection.

Lots of charm.

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

Feminine form of Amit that's simple and lyrical and close in spirit to a familiar term for friendship.

In India, Bala is a unisex name, but is likely to be perceived as more feminine in the West. In its feminine form, Bala is associated with the daughter of the red goddess, Lalitha Parameshwari.

A name commonly used in India; Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess of learning.

Beguiling alternative to Johanna.

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

Raga is musical, yes, but that 'rag' syllable worries us.

Anoma is name occasionally seen in Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. Its meaning is unknown but likely related to the word meaning "illustrious". It is a name that could easily work in English-speaking countries.