Hindu names are deeply influenced by ancient scriptures, mythology, and spiritual beliefs. Names like Krishna (dark, lord) and Anjali (offering) reflect virtues, deities, or life’s blessings. These names celebrate India’s rich religious and cultural heritage, connecting individuals to their faith and traditions.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hemanti | Hemanti means "winter season," symbolizing renewal and beauty in Hinduism. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Hemendu | Hemendu means "golden moon," symbolizing beauty, purity, and enlightenment. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Boy | |
| Himadri | Himadri means "snowy mountain," rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Himani | Himani means "daughter of the Himalayas," symbolizing strength and beauty. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Hindola | Hindola: Unisex Hindu name meaning "swinging," associated with Lord Krishna. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Hirendra | Hirendra means "king of diamonds," symbolizing strength and power. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Hitendra | Hitendra means "lord of goodness," symbolizing positive leadership qualities. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Boy | |
| Hiteshwari | Hiteshwari: Hindu name meaning "goddess of goodness," unique and elegant. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Hrishikesh | Hrishikesh means "lord of the senses" in Hindu tradition. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Ikshu | Ikshu means "sugarcane," symbolizing sweetness and prosperity in Hindu culture. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Indhira | Indhira means "splendid" in Sanskrit; derived from Hindu mythology. | Hindu, Indian, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Indraneel | Indraneel means "blue sapphire," symbolizing strength and celestial power. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Indrani | Indrani means "queen of Indra," symbolizing beauty, strength, fertility. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Indrasena | Indrasena means "Indra's army," symbolizing strength, bravery, and leadership. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Boy | |
| Indrayani | Indrayani means "daughter of Indra," symbolizing power and auspiciousness. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Indubhushan | Indubhushan means "moon-crested," symbolizing beauty and enlightenment in Hinduism. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Induhasan | Induhasan means "handsome as the moon," reflecting beauty and purity. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Induja | Induja means "daughter of Indra," symbolizing strength and cultural significance. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Induleksh | Induleksh means "beloved of the moon," reflecting beauty and purity. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Indushekhar | Indushekhar means "peak of the moon," symbolizing purity and enlightenment. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Inina | Inina: Unique name meaning "strong-willed" and "mother of twins." | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Ipsita | Ipsita means "desired," is cherished, and rooted in Hindu culture. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Ishana | Ishana means "ruler" or "goddess of wealth," unisex Indian name. | Hindu, Indian, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Ishita | Ishita means "desired," symbolizes aspirations, and honors goddess Durga. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Ishvarah | Ishvarah means "supreme lord," reflecting strength and spiritual significance. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Ishwari | Ishwari means "goddess," symbolizes divinity, strength, and compassion in Hinduism. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Ishwer | Ishwer: Unique Hindu name meaning "God," primarily used for males. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Isvara | Isvara means "supreme lord," representing divine power in Hinduism. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Iswara | Iswara means "lord" in Sanskrit, symbolizing strength and leadership. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Jagadamba | Jagadamba means "mother of the universe," symbolizing feminine power. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Girl |
The name 'Hindu' originates from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, which was the historical local appellation for the Indus River. The Persian invaders converted it into Hindu to denote the land of the Indus River. Over time, the term 'Hindu' became associated with the religious practices of people living beyond the Indus River.
The term 'Hindu' was used to describe the various religious traditions and practices found in the Indian subcontinent. It was not originally a religious term but was adopted over time by outsiders to refer to the diverse spiritual practices in the region. Eventually, 'Hinduism' became the term used to describe the religious framework that encompasses these practices.
Historically, 'Hindu' was a geographical term that referred to the people living beyond the Indus River. It was only later that the term took on a religious connotation. Today, it is primarily used to refer to followers of Hinduism, the world's third-largest religion.
The term 'Hindu' was first used during the time of the ancient Persians who encountered the civilizations of the Indus Valley. The Persians mentioned the people of the Sindhu (Indus) River in their records from the 6th century BCE. The Greeks, who came into contact with India after Alexander the Great, also used a similar term, 'Indoi'.
In Sanskrit, the term 'Hindu' does not have a religious meaning but is a geographical term derived from the river Sindhu, or Indus. The ancient Sanskrit texts refer to the people around the Sindhu River as Sindhus. The term 'Hindu' itself is not found in any of the original Vedic scriptures.
'Hindu' refers to a follower of Hinduism, while 'Indian' denotes a nationality or a person hailing from India. Although the terms were historically related due to geographical reasons, they have distinct meanings today. 'Indian' encompasses a broader identity that includes people of various religions, cultures, and ethnicities.
No, the term 'Hindu' specifically refers to followers of Hinduism and does not encompass all Indian religions. India is home to a multitude of religious traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and others that are distinct from Hinduism. While these religions originated in the Indian subcontinent, they have their own unique beliefs and practices.
Colonialism played a significant role in solidifying the term 'Hindu' as a religious identity. British colonialists used the term to categorize and govern the diverse religious practices in India under a single label. This administrative convenience led to a more rigid understanding of Hinduism as a distinct religion.
The term 'Hindu' is not mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures. The Vedas, Upanishads, and other Hindu texts use various other terms to describe the people and the spiritual practices of the time. The use of 'Hindu' as a religious term developed much later through interactions with other cultures and under colonial rule.
In modern times, the term 'Hindu' has cultural as well as religious significance, representing a way of life and a civilizational identity for many people. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and rituals that are part of the daily lives of millions of people. The term also signifies the collective heritage and traditions of those who identify as Hindu.