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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manshi | Manshi: Indian name meaning "divine," gaining popularity for daughters. | Indian | Girl | |
| Manshika | Manshika: Indian name meaning "desire," elegant, unique, and culturally significant. | Indian | Girl | |
| Manshu | Manshu: Indian name symbolizing intellect, wisdom, and cultural significance. | Indian | Boy | |
| Mansika | Mansika: Indian name meaning "intelligent," gaining popularity for girls. | Indian | Girl | |
| Mansukhpal | Mansukhpal: Unique Indian name meaning "peaceful protector" for males. | Indian | Boy | |
| Mansukhraj | Mansukhraj means 'king of happiness'; it's an Indian male name. | Indian | Boy | |
| Mansvi | Mansvi: Indian name meaning "intelligent," gaining popularity for daughters. | Indian | Girl | |
| Manu | Manu means "man" in Sanskrit; originates from ancient Indian texts. | Biblical, Indian, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Manush | Manush: Unique Indian name meaning "human," pronounced "mah-noosh." | Indian | Boy | |
| Maureya | Maureya: Indian name meaning "dark-skinned," elegant, and culturally significant. | Indian | Girl | |
| Mayur | Mayur, an Indian name, means "peacock" and symbolizes beauty. | Hindi, Indian, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Mayuri | Mayuri: Indian name meaning "peahen," symbolizing beauty and renewal. | Indian, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Mayurjit | Mayurjit means "victorious peacock," symbolizing beauty, grace, and triumph. | Indian | Boy | |
| Meela | Meela means "gift" in Hebrew; origin linked to Hebrew culture. | Amharic, Arabic, Indian | Female | |
| Meena | Meena: Indian name meaning "fish," popular for girls, culturally significant. | Indian | Unisex | |
| Meenakshi Devi | Meenakshi Devi symbolizes beauty, grace, and cultural significance in India. | Indian | Girl | |
| Meenakshi Mission Hospital | Meenakshi Mission Hospital symbolizes cultural significance and quality healthcare services. | Indian | Girl | |
| Meenakshi Nagarajan | Meenakshi Nagarajan: Indian name meaning "fish-eyed" and "king of serpents." | Indian | Girl | |
| Meenakumari | Meenakumari: Indian name meaning "fish-eyed princess," culturally significant and unique. | Indian | Girl | |
| Meera | Meera: Indian name meaning "prosperous," associated with poet Meera Bai. | Hindu, Indian, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Meerabai | Meerabai: Indian name meaning "devotee of Lord Krishna," widely cherished. | Indian | Girl | |
| meesha | Meesha means "gift" in Arabic; origin linked to Arabic culture. | Amharic, Arabic, Indian | Female | |
| Meeta | Meeta: Indian name meaning "friend," reflecting companionship and charm. | Indian | Girl | |
| Megana | Megana: Indian name meaning "gracious," gaining popularity for girls. | Indian | Girl | |
| Megh | Megh: Unisex Indian name meaning "cloud," symbolizing nature's beauty. | Indian | Unisex | |
| Meghal | Meghal: Indian name meaning "cloud," associated with male gender. | Indian | Boy | |
| Meghala | Meghala: Indian name meaning "cloud," elegant, culturally significant, and unique. | Indian | Girl | |
| Meghana | Meghana: Indian name meaning "cloud," symbolizing beauty and prosperity. | Hindu, Indian, Mythology, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Meghraj | Meghraj means "king of clouds," is Indian, and male-associated. | Indian | Boy | |
| Mehal | Mehal: Unisex Indian name meaning "palace," symbolizing luxury and uniqueness. | Hindi, Indian | Unisex |
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.
