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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C Vishwanathan | C Vishwanathan: Unique Indian name symbolizing strength, heritage, and tradition. | Indian | Boy | |
| cami | Cami: diminutive of Camilla, Latin origin meaning "young ceremonial attendant." | American, Armenian, Biblical, Celtic, English, Greek, Hebrew, Indian, Irish, Latin, Persian, Spanish, Welsh | Female | |
| camitra | Camitra means "one who is wise"; origin is Sanskrit. | American, Arabic, Armenian, Biblical, Greek, Hindu, Indian, Latin, Persian, Sanskrit | Either | |
| casha | Casha means "pure" in Latin; derived from the name Casia. | American, Arabic, Armenian, Biblical, English, Indian, Persian, Spanish | Female | |
| Cha | Cha means "tea" in Chinese; origin linked to tea culture. | Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Indian | Unisex | |
| Chaitalee | Chaitalee: Indian name meaning "consciousness," gaining popularity for uniqueness. | Indian | Girl | |
| Chaitana | Chaitana: Indian name meaning "consciousness," gaining popularity globally. | Indian | Girl | |
| Chaitany | Chaitany: Indian name meaning "consciousness," popular for spiritual significance. | Indian | Boy | |
| Chaitanyan | Chaitanyan: Indian name meaning "consciousness," gaining global recognition and popularity. | Indian | Boy | |
| Chaitanyasai | Chaitanyasai signifies revered consciousness, reflecting Indian cultural heritage and spirituality. | Indian | Boy | |
| Chaitri | Chaitri: Indian name meaning "born in Chaitra," culturally significant. | Indian | Girl | |
| Chalendra | Chalendra: Indian name meaning "goddess of the moon," gaining popularity. | Indian | Girl | |
| Chaman Lal Bhardwaj | Chaman Lal Bhardwaj: culturally significant Indian name with traditional roots. | Indian | Boy | |
| Chaman Lal Chaman | Chaman Lal Chaman: Unique Indian name meaning "garden" or "paradise." | Indian | Boy | |
| Chaman Lal Gupta | Chaman Lal Gupta: Indian name meaning "garden beloved" with cultural significance. | Indian | Boy | |
| Chaman Lal Meena | Chaman Lal Meena: Indian male name, significant among Meena communities. | Indian | Boy | |
| Champakavathi | Champakavathi: Indian name symbolizing grace, elegance, and cultural significance. | Indian | Girl | |
| Champavati | Champavati: traditional Indian name symbolizing grace, beauty, and nature. | Indian | Girl | |
| Champi | Champi: Indian name meaning "champion," feminine, unique, and meaningful. | Indian | Girl | |
| Chanda | Chanda means "moon" in Sanskrit; originates from Indian culture and mythology. | Arabic, Indian, Sanskrit | Female | |
| Chandaneya | Chandaneya: Indian name meaning "son of the moon," elegant and unique. | Indian | Boy | |
| Chandaniee | Chandaniee: Elegant name meaning "moonlight," gaining popularity among diasporas. | Indian | Girl | |
| Chandanita | Chandanita: Indian name meaning "sandalwood," symbolizing purity and tranquility. | Indian | Girl | |
| Chandaniya | Chandaniya means "moonlight," is a unique, elegant, feminine name. | Indian | Girl | |
| Chande | Chande: Unique Indian name meaning "moon," associated with males. | Indian | Boy | |
| Chanderpal | Chanderpal means "protector of the moon," reflecting strength and guardianship. | Indian | Boy | |
| Chandita | Chandita: Indian name meaning "radiant," symbolizing positivity and uniqueness. | Indian | Girl | |
| Chandra | Chandra means "moon" in Sanskrit; originates from Hindu mythology. | Hindu, Indian, Sanskrit | Either | |
| Chandra Kala | Chandra Kala means "moon art," symbolizing beauty and talent. | Indian | Girl | |
| Chandra Kumar | Chandra Kumar means "moon prince," reflecting Indian heritage and symbolism. | Indian | Boy |
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.
