Indian Boy Names

Common in India, but seldom heard in the US, Sachin is the kind of name that could easily cross cultural boundaries.

Popular in India and among Indo-Americans, this name of the hero of a famous Hindu epic has an extremely pleasing sound.

There's a football player called Pepper (born Thomas and given the childhood nickname for sprinkling pepper on his cereal) Johnson -- but this sounds more like the name of a cheerleader.

Dhani is a haunting Hindi name for boys that's a million miles away from the similar-sounding Danny or Donny. One notable namesake is musician Dhani Harrison, look-alike son of Beatle George. He is named after the sixth and seventh notes of the Indian music scale, 'dha' and 'ni'. 'Dhani' is also a raga in north Indian classical music. Another noted bearer is longtime NFL linebacker Dhani Jones.

Another name for the Hindu god-Vishnu.

Historic and popular Indian name, borne by the son of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. On classic Hindu epics, it was the name of the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra; in the UK is was a character on the TV series Eastenders.

A name that could set an Indian boy on a path to leadership.

Unusual and simple: a winning combination. But it was the name of a fifteen-thousand-ton monster in a midcentury "Godzilla" movie.

Kamal carries two positive associations: one of the ninety-nine qualities of Allah listed in the Quran and the evocative lotus flower. Americans might recognize it as the male equivalent of Kamala, as in Vice President Kamala Harris.

Unusual Asian option, and also the name of the Dwarf Lord from Lord of the Rings.

Name of one of the three main Hindu gods.

One of the most familiar, and assertive, names found throughout the Middle East and India, with a macho soap opera aura in this country.

Indian princely title, more exciting than Prince or Duke, that is also a widely-used name for both genders. In the US, the names Rajah and Raja are uncommon: Ten baby boys were named Rajah last year and 18 were given the Raja spelling.

Vivaan is a life-related name from India that has made its way onto the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2014. While unusual, it has a familiar and appealing lively sound and feel. However, be aware that people unfamiliar with the name may misread and mispronounce it as Vivian.

Pranav, an Indian name now in the U. S. Top 900, represents Aum, or Om, the most sacred syllable in Hinduism, symbolizing the entire universe.

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

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.

A beautiful Urdu name with a musical sound and a lovely celestial meaning. Sitara got a boost in 2022, potentially from the award-winning 2020 short film "Sitara: Let Girls Dream", bringing awareness to the issue of child marriage.

Another traditional Indian name, best known here via novelist Vikram Seth.

Surname of a noted modern Urdu poet.