Indian Girl Names

  1. Padma
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "lotus"
    • Description:

      A name rich in Hindu tradition as the alternate name for the Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of beauty and charm; currently borne, appropriately, by model-actress-writer Padma Lakshmi.
  2. Bali
    • Origin:

      Place-name and Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "strength"
    • Description:

      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.
  3. Shilpa
    • Origin:

      Hindi name with Sanskrit roots meaning "ornament, work of art"
    • Meaning:

      "ornament, work of art"
    • Description:

      A popular name in India, several famous Indian women carry this sweet sounding name.
  4. Mela
    • Origin:

      Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "religious service"
    • Description:

      Unlike Pamela and Melanie, Mela feels fresh and unusual.
  5. Rishi
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "sage"
    • Description:

      Wise, with vivacity.
  6. Panna
    • Origin:

      Hungarian variation of Anna; Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "grace; emerald"
    • Description:

      Panna is a name with many allusions — in addition to those above, a serene and sacred city in India and the Italian word for cream. Panna might make a fresh alternative to Anna or Hannah.
  7. Raga
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit, musical term
    • Meaning:

      "color or melody"
    • Description:

      Raga is musical, yes, but that 'rag' syllable worries us.
  8. Ciannait
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "ancient"
    • Description:

      Feminine form of Cian, a name from Irish legend.
  9. Kashmir
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit, Southwest Asian place-name
    • Description:

      Soft and alluring, much like the similarly named cloth, but might have political implications.
  10. Nayana
    • Origin:

      Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "beautiful eyes"
    • Description:

      Hip-swayingly evocative.
  11. Taj
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "crown"
    • Description:

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

      Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "rain"
    • Description:

      This Indian name with a Slavic sound definitely has potential.
  13. Rama
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "lofty"
    • Description:

      This name of a revered Hindu deity is heard in several cultures.
  14. Pandita
    • Origin:

      Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "learned, scholarly"
    • Description:

      Might be a little too close to bandita.
  15. Kerani
    • Origin:

      Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "sacred bells"
    • Description:

      Kerani is a lovely Indo-Pakistani name that could be seen as the Karen of the multicultural future.
  16. Daru
    • Origin:

      Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "pine or cedar"
    • Description:

      Accessible, aromatic Indian name.
  17. Lalita
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "playful, charming"
    • Description:

      Lolita without the naughty implications.
  18. Ananda
    • Origin:

      Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "bliss"
    • Description:

      Genuine Indian name some parents turn to as an Amanda alternative; also connected to a network of spiritual communities.
  19. Rohana
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "sandalwood"
    • Description:

      Beguiling alternative to Johanna.
  20. Pavana
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "peacock"
    • Description:

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