Indian Boy Names
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
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Indian names for baby boys are most often rooted in either Hindi, the major language of India, or Sanskrit, the ancient Indian language. The Indian boy names on Nameberry also include a sprinkling of Punjabi and Urdu names. Indian male names that are most familiar in the wider world tend to be the names of celebrities, such as Deepak Chopra, Dev Patel, or Arjun Kapoor. Other popular Indian baby boy names include Ravi, Sanjay, and Vikram. There are many handsome Indian boy names that may be of interest to parents in India and beyond.
Browse our full list of Indian baby boy names here. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
Browse our full list of Indian baby boy names here. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
- Bodhi
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"awakening, enlightenment"Description:
Bodhi is a Sanskrit name translated as "enlightenment" or "awakening" which relates to a Buddhist concept, wherein Bodhi is synonymous with the state of nirvana, being freed from hate, greed and ego. The Bodhi tree is a large fig tree under which the founder of Buddhism received enlightenment. Spelling variations include Bodie and Bode.
- Aarav
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"peaceful"Description:
Aarav is derived from the Sanskrit root "rav," which is related to peace and music. Aarav is also associated with the concept of wisdom. It has traditionally been a common name among Hindus, who intentionally select names to inspire particular values in their children.
- Kiran
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"ray of light"Description:
Though it sounds like a modern invention, Kiran is a traditional Hindu name from India; chosen for her son by actress Kelli Williams. Author Kiran Desai is a woman and this name, which bears a resemblance to both the Irish (male) Kieran and the fifties favorite Karen, certainly works as well for a girl.
- Ravi
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"conferring"Description:
A title of the Hindu sun god, made cross-culturally famous by sitar player Ravi Shankar.
- Rohan
Origin:
Spelling variation of Rowan, Irish and Scottish, or HindiMeaning:
"rowan tree, redhead, or sandalwood"Description:
From India, but feels like an Irish surname (and can in fact be a variation of Rowan), so a possible cross-cultural choice.
- Surya
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"sun god"Description:
Graceful Indian choice that may sound feminine to the Western ear but is in fact the name of a male god. One form of worship of Surya that may be familiar to Westerners is the sun salutation in yoga.
- Tarak
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"star, protector"Description:
A strong, handsome Indian name with cross-cultural appeal.
- Vihaan
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"dawn"Description:
Vihaan comes from a Sanskrit word denoting the dawn, but has the symbolic meaning of the beginning of a new age, making Vihaan a wonderful choice for the first baby in a family's next generation.
- Rishi
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"sage"Description:
A number of stylish Indian names are making their way to the US mainstream, including wise Rishi. In Hindu mythology, the Rishis are sages and seers; in modern times, Rishi Rich is a popular British-born musician and record producer and Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister of the UK in 2022.
- Arjan
Origin:
Dutch, Punjabi, AlbanianMeaning:
"from Hadria; gaining; golden life"Description:
There's something particularly attractive about names with an interior "j" and Arjan is a prime example. The Punjabi version is pronounced with a conventional j as in jar; the Dutch Arjan, which is a variation of Adrien, pronounces the 'j' like a 'y', while the Albanian pronunciation has three syllables and is a variant of Arian. A multicultural choice, Arjan is in the Top 1000 in England and Wales.
- Aakil
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"intelligent, smart"Description:
If meaning were destiny, this would start a boy off on the right foot.
- Pan
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"all or shepherd"Description:
Pan is the Greek god with the legs of a goat and the body of a pipes-playing man known for his mischievousness. Pan is also the god of shepherds, pastures, and fertility. Pan is also a Hindi name meaning leaf or feather.
- Ishaan
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"the sun"Description:
Ishaan is the guardian of the Northeast in the Hindu religion.
- Navin
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"new, novel"Description:
Would fit right in with the currently popular in/an/en/on-ending boys' names.
- Reyansh
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"ray of light"Description:
This unusual Indian name, which refers to one of the names of Lord Vishnu, has been one of the fastest-growing boys' names of the last decade. It first managed to climb into the US Top 1000 in 2014. The nickname Rey Americanizes it.
- Veer
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"brave"Description:
One of the fastest-rising Indian boy names of the past few years, Veer is a straightforward choice with visual appeal and a striking V initial.
- Taj
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"crown"Description:
Taj is a cool-sounding name reflecting the magnificence of the seventeenth-century Indian Taj Mahal, chosen by Aerosmith's Steven Tyler for his son.
- Siddharth
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"one who has accomplished a goal"Description:
Siddhartha Gautama was one of the real names of Buddha, making this an impressive and weighty name among the Buddhist community.
- Amit
Origin:
Hebrew; SanskritMeaning:
"friend; infinite"Description:
Simple and worldly, popular and carrying two positive meanings in two diverse cultures. A winner prime for wider use.
- Neel
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"sapphire blue"Description:
If you want people to appreciate this choice, you're going to have to explain how it's not Neil.