Indian names

A simple name that's rising fast in the US, likely inspired by the popularity of Isla and Ayla. This streamlined form might appeal to those who like Ana, Ivy, and Ada, and it brings a multicultural element to the name.

A striking and feminine possibility associated with a modern hero — longtime Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi.

A short and sweet Hindi name which has been relatively popular in the UK – peaking at #280 there in 2003.

Ishan is a masculine name with roots in multiple cultures, primarily Sanskrit and Hindi. In Sanskrit, it means "sun" or "lord," often referring to Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. The name also carries the meaning of "rich" or "wealthy" in some interpretations. Ishan is widely used in India and among Indian diaspora communities worldwide. Its popularity has gradually increased in Western countries as cultural boundaries blur in name selection. The name combines spiritual significance with contemporary appeal, featuring a melodic two-syllable pronunciation that works well across cultures. Ishan projects qualities of strength, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment.

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.

A multicultural name that manages to sound soft and strong at the same time, Kamala is also another name for the Hindu goddess Lakshmi.

Keva is a feminine name with diverse origins. In Hebrew, it derives from the name Akiva, meaning 'to protect' or 'shelter.' It also has Gaelic roots, where it can be a variant of Caoimhe, meaning 'gentle,' 'beautiful,' or 'precious.' In Slavic languages, Keva may be a diminutive form of names containing the element 'kev.' The name has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Keva has a contemporary sound with a melodic two-syllable rhythm, making it appealing to parents seeking a short but meaningful name with cross-cultural significance.

Although Krishna is popular in India, only this diminutive variation made the US Top 1000 in 2013. It also features in the UK Top 1000, appealing in its simplicity, ability to work in multiple languages and spiritual significance.

While Leela may be a spelling variation of Lila or Leila, it's also an Indian name in its own right with a playful meaning. And unlike it's more popular Western sisters, Leela does not create pronunciation confusion.

Mala is one of those names that's both simple and striking, easy to pronounce yet unfamiliar to many English speakers.

Maya, which has an almost mystical image, has been steadily climbing in popularity in the US and the English-speaking world, along with a range of other countries, including France, Germany, Israel, and Brazil. It's ranked in the US Top 100 since the turn of this century, but has never risen to the top of the list, which you may consider a good thing.

Interesting multi-cultural option.