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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pumeet | Pumeet: Unique Indian name meaning "friend of men," predominantly male. | Indian | Boy | |
| Punam | Punam means "full moon" in Hindi; originates from Sanskrit. | Hindu, Indian, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Punamika | Punamika: Indian name meaning "full moon," symbolizing beauty and grace. | Indian | Girl | |
| Puneet | Puneet means "pure" in Sanskrit; originates from Indian culture. | Indian, Punjabi, Sanskrit | Boy | |
| Puneeth | Puneeth: Indian name meaning "pure," popular among Hindu boys. | Indian | Boy | |
| Punit | Punit: Unisex Indian name meaning "pure" or "holy," culturally significant. | Indian | Unisex | |
| Punita | Punita: Indian name meaning "pure," associated with virtue and grace. | Indian | Girl | |
| Punna | Punna: Indian name meaning "virtuous," gaining popularity for both genders. | Indian | Unisex | |
| Purab | Purab: Indian name meaning "east," symbolizing strength and positivity. | Indian | Boy | |
| Purbhi | Purbhi: Indian name meaning "eastern," unique with cultural significance. | Indian | Girl | |
| Purbi | Purbi: Indian name meaning "eastern," unique, feminine, culturally significant. | Indian | Girl | |
| Purshotham | Purshotham: Indian name meaning "supreme being," reflects cultural significance. | Indian | Boy | |
| Puru | Puru: Unisex Indian name meaning "complete," rooted in mythology. | Indian | Unisex | |
| Purvajit | Purvajit means "conqueror of the east," reflecting strength and uniqueness. | Indian | Boy | |
| Purvanshi | Purvanshi: Elegant name meaning "descendant of the east," gaining popularity. | Indian | Girl | |
| Pushkar | Pushkar: Unisex name meaning "lotus flower," symbolizing purity and growth. | Indian | Unisex | |
| Pushpanjali Gupta | Pushpanjali Gupta: Indian name meaning "offering of flowers," culturally significant. | Indian | Girl | |
| Pushpanjali Kumari | Pushpanjali Kumari: a graceful, culturally significant Indian feminine name. | Indian | Girl | |
| Pushpanjali Sharma | Pushpanjali Sharma means "offering of flowers," symbolizing beauty and grace. | Indian | Girl | |
| Pushpanjali Singh | Pushpanjali Singh: Indian name meaning flower offering, culturally significant and elegant. | Indian | Girl | |
| Pushpanjali Yadav | Pushpanjali Yadav means "offering of flowers," symbolizing beauty and grace. | Indian | Girl | |
| Pushpitha | Pushpitha: Indian name meaning "full of flowers," feminine and graceful. | Indian | Girl | |
| Puttanna | Puttanna: Kannada origin, meaning "little Puttan" or "young boy." | Indian | Boy | |
| Pyare Lal | Pyare Lal means "beloved red," a popular Indian male name. | Indian | Boy | |
| Pyarelal Gupta | Pyarelal Gupta: Indian name meaning "beloved love," rich cultural significance. | Indian | Boy | |
| Pyarelal Nayar | Pyarelal Nayar: Indian male name symbolizing love and endearment. | Indian | Boy | |
| Pyarelal Saxena | Pyarelal Saxena: traditional Indian name symbolizing cultural heritage and significance. | Indian | Boy | |
| Pyarelal Sharma | Pyarelal Sharma: Indian name symbolizing love, affection, and heritage. | Indian | Boy | |
| Pyarelal Wadali | Pyarelal Wadali means "beloved one," reflecting Indian cultural heritage. | Indian | Boy | |
| Pyarelalji | Pyarelalji: Indian name meaning "beloved son of Lal," culturally significant. | 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.
