Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
Indian names are rooted in cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity, drawing from languages like Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, and Tamil. Many names reflect virtues, mythology, or spiritual significance, such as Arjun (courage) or Lakshmi (wealth). Regional naming traditions often intertwine with astrological beliefs, making Indian names deeply meaningful and unique.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shreenidhi | Shreenidhi: Indian name meaning prosperity, unique, culturally rich, masculine. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shreevatsan | Shreevatsan: Indian name meaning "beloved of Lakshmi," symbolizes prosperity. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shreeya | Shreeya: Indian name meaning "auspicious," gaining global popularity for girls. | Indian | Girl | |
| Shreshta | Shreshta: Unisex Indian name meaning "excellent," linked to goddess Lakshmi. | Indian | Unisex | |
| Shresth | Shresth: Indian name meaning "the best," gaining popularity among parents. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shresthi | Shresthi: Indian unisex name meaning "the best" or "superior one." | Indian | Unisex | |
| Shreyaas | Shreyaas: Indian name meaning "auspicious," popular among males globally. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shreyash | Shreyash: Indian name meaning "auspiciousness," gaining global popularity among males. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shreyashree | Shreyashree means "auspicious beauty," reflecting positivity and grace. | Indian | Girl | |
| Shreyashri | Shreyashri: Indian name meaning "auspicious beauty," unique and meaningful. | Indian | Girl | |
| Shreyasree | Shreyasree: auspicious beauty name gaining popularity among Indian diaspora. | Indian | Girl | |
| Shreyasri | Shreyasri: Indian name meaning "auspicious beauty," gaining popularity globally. | Indian | Girl | |
| Shreyes | Shreyes: Indian name meaning "auspicious," gaining popularity, predominantly male. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shreyesh | Shreyesh means "lord of wealth," gaining popularity among Indian communities. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shri Kant | Shri Kant means "auspicious beauty," reflecting Indian cultural heritage. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shrigeeta | Shrigeeta: Unique Indian name meaning "song of prosperity" for girls. | Indian | Girl | |
| Shrihari | Shrihari means "prosperity bringer" and honors Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shrikrishan | Shrikrishan: auspicious name honoring Lord Krishna, popular in Hindu culture. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shrimathi | Shrimathi: Indian name meaning "auspicious," associated with females, culturally significant. | Indian | Girl | |
| Shrimayi | Shrimayi means "adorned with beauty and grace" in Hindu culture. | Hindu, Indian | Girl | |
| Shrinidhi | Shrinidhi means "wealth of Lakshmi," symbolizing prosperity and abundance. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shrinivasaiah | Shrinivasaiah is a meaningful Indian name linked to Lord Vishnu. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shripad Amrit Dange | Shripad Amrit Dange: culturally significant Indian name with traditional roots. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shripad Hegde | Shripad Hegde: Traditional male name meaning "Lord Vishnu's feet" in Sanskrit. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shripad Kulkarni | Shripad Kulkarni signifies auspiciousness and prosperity in traditional Indian culture. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shripad Naik | Shripad Naik: Traditional Indian male name symbolizing auspiciousness and prosperity. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shripad Yesso Naik | Shripad Yesso Naik: Indian name reflecting cultural and religious significance. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shrirang | Shrirang: Indian name meaning "Lord Vishnu," significant in Hindu culture. | Indian | Boy | |
| Shristee | Shristee: Indian name meaning "creation," associated with female gender. | Indian | Girl | |
| Shristy | Shristy: Indian name meaning "creation," gaining recognition for its uniqueness. | Indian | Girl |
The name 'Indian' originates from the misidentification of the Americas by Christopher Columbus. Columbus believed he had reached the Indian subcontinent when he arrived in the New World. The term stuck and was used to refer to the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Native Americans were called Indians because Columbus mistakenly thought he had landed in India. This error led to the use of the term 'Indian' to describe the native people he encountered. The name has persisted throughout history despite its inaccuracy.
The term 'Indian' is considered inappropriate and inaccurate for referring to Native Americans. Many people prefer 'Native American' or 'Indigenous Peoples' to more accurately reflect their cultural and historical identity. The term 'Indian' can be seen as a relic of colonial misnaming.
Columbus called the inhabitants of the New World 'Indians' because he believed he had reached the Indies. The Indies was a term used at the time to describe Asia's Southeast region, including India. This misnomer has had a lasting impact on the nomenclature of the Americas' indigenous peoples.
The term 'Indian' evolved to refer not only to the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean but also to those of the entire American continent. Over time, it became a general term used by European colonizers. Today, it is used in various contexts, including the legal names of some tribes and in government documents.
Alternatives to using the term 'Indian' for Native Americans include 'Native American,' 'Indigenous Peoples,' and specific tribal names. These terms are more culturally sensitive and accurate. They are widely accepted and used in contemporary discourse.
Native Americans have diverse opinions about the term 'Indian,' with some accepting it and others finding it offensive. The preference for terminology often depends on individual and community perspectives. Many advocate for self-identification and the use of specific tribal names.
The term 'Indian' still has legal status in the United States, as it is used in federal law and documents. It is found in the names of legislation, such as the Indian Civil Rights Act. However, there is a push towards using more accurate and respectful terminology in legal contexts.
The term 'Indian' relates to people from India in its original geographical context. However, due to Columbus's mistake, it also came to be associated with the indigenous peoples of the Americas. This dual usage can sometimes lead to confusion in conversation and writing.
The use of the term 'Indian' has changed over time, with a growing awareness and sensitivity to its historical inaccuracy and colonial roots. Many institutions and individuals now prefer terms that more accurately represent the people to whom they refer. The shift reflects a broader movement towards recognizing and respecting indigenous cultures and identities.
