180 Indian Girl Names With Meanings

The charm of Indian girl names is increasingly resonating with new parents seeking a blend of tradition and modernity. These girl names are steeped in ancient roots of Hindu or Tamil cultures, to name a few, with unique and diverse meanings and values. Some of our names for girls have Sanskrit origins, like Anika, symbolizing splendour, or Kalyani, a melodic moniker meaning “beautiful” and “lovely” found in the epic Mahabharata. As we delve into the rich Indian culture, we uncover popular, modern, beautiful, and unique Indian girl names that echo resilience, grace, and bravery. So, whether you're welcoming a new life into your family or simply an enthusiast of cultural names, let's explore the captivating world of Indian girl names.

Selecting Indian Girl Names

If you’re considering an Indian name for your baby girl, you may enjoy learning more about Indian naming conventions and the traditions involved. India has a large and diverse population, and choosing a baby name may be influenced by the various regions and religions within India.

India’s Regions and Languages

Here are some of the main languages and regions in India that may guide the names you choose:

• Hindi. This Indo-Aryan language is the main language in India and the fourth most frequently spoken language in the world. It’s spoken mainly in the Hindi Belt region, which encompasses parts of northern, eastern, central, and western India.

• Urdu. Spoken mostly in South Asia, this Indo-Aryan language is the national language of Pakistan. The majority of Urdu speakers are Muslim from the Urdu belt of northern India, or the Deccan plateau in south-central India.

• Telugu. Part of the classical Dravidian language family, Telugu is mostly spoken by people in southeastern India.

• Marathi. This language is mostly spoken in the Indian state of Maharashtra in West India.

• Kannada. Part of the classical Dravidian language family, it’s mostly spoken by the Karnataka people in southwestern India.

• Gujarati. Native to the state of Gujarat on the Western coast of India, Gujarati is the fastest-growing Indian language in the United States and Canada.

• Tamil. Part of the classical Dravidian language family, Tamil is mostly spoken in southern India and Sri Lanka.

• Punjabi. This language is used in the Punjab region of eastern Pakistan and northwest India.

• Bengali. This language is mostly spoken in Bangladesh and eastern India.

India’s Religions

When searching for Indian names for women, you may discover that many are influenced by certain religions within the country. Two of these include Hinduism and Sikhism.

• Hinduism. This is the world’s oldest and third-largest religion. Ninety-five percent of the world’s Hindus live in India. Many of their name choices stem from Hindu mythology, astrology, philosophy, and cosmology.

• Sikhism. This is a monotheistic religion and the fourth-largest religion in India. It is traditional for male Sikhs to use the name Singh, meaning “lion” as a middle or last name, and for females to use Kaur, meaning “princess.”

• Islam. India’s second most commonly followed religion is Islam, which has a strong presence in Indian society and culture. Muslims in northern India often follow Islamic naming conventions.

• Jainism. This is one of the world’s oldest religions. It’s common for Jains to use Jain, Shah, Firodia, Singhal, or Gupta as their last name.

Naming Conventions

Naming traditions for children in India will vary depending on the region and religion, though the meaning of a given name is always a chief consideration. Here are a few (among many) naming conventions used in India.

• In northern India, it's customary to have a given name followed by a surname.

• In southern India, a surname is uncommon and is usually adopted by a person when they migrate.

• Hindu parents commonly consult an astrologer to help them choose a given name for their child based on their horoscope. The astrologer will give the parents a beginning sound for the name, and the parents will then pick a name based on that.

Popular Indian Girl Names

There are over one million Canadians with Indian ancestry currently living in Canada, so it’s no wonder beautiful Indian girl names are becoming more and more common and popular. If you love staying on trend with the most popular girl names, take a look the following list, which includes some of the best Indian baby girl names that have been growing in popularity in recent years.

1. Aisha. Topping the charts is this beautiful Urdu name meaning “living” in Arabic. This name also belongs to Stevie Wonder’s first daughter.

2. Anika. This Hindi name for girls is the feminine form of Anik, meaning “army,” or “splendour” in Sanskrit.

3. Arya. You may recognize this name from the popular fantasy series Game of Thrones, but you may be surprised to learn that it actually stems from an old Indo-Iranian word meaning “noble.” This popular name is sure to suit your strong and noble little lady.

4. Fatima. In recent years, this Urdu and Arabic name has grown in popularity in Canada, the U.S., and throughout Europe. Meaning “to abstain,” this name was used for the daughter of the prophet Muhammad.

5. Ila. This short and sweet Hindi name is a great choice for earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) due to its simple meaning, “earth.” Your little one is sure to stay grounded with this Indian girl’s name.

6. Laila. Another popular Indian girls’ name is the sweet and playful Laila. It’s an Urdu variant of Layla, meaning “night” in Arabic. So, if you’re a fan of the night sky, perhaps this name could be a pretty choice.

7. Maryam. This Urdu form of Miryam has the same meaning as the popular biblical name Mary; “drop of the sea,” “wished for child,” or “beloved.”

8. Maya. Popular globally, this cute name for girls means “illusion” in Sanskrit. It’s a name used in Hinduism, Hindi, and Marathi. Maya is the name of the Buddha’s mother in the Buddhist tradition, as well as being another name for the Hindu goddess Durga. If you enjoy Japanese girl names, you could consider Mayako, which combines Maya with ko, meaning “child.”

9. Samira. Used by Marathi, Hindi, and Telugu speakers, Samira is the feminine form of Samir meaning “wind” and “air” in Sanskrit. Perhaps it could be a lovely option for an air sign (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) baby.

10. Veda. With its simple sound and the trendy initial V, it’s no wonder that Veda’s popularity is on the rise. Meaning “knowledge” in Sanskrit, Veda is also the name of sacred texts in Hinduism. This name is a strong choice for your clever little girl.

Unique Indian Girl Names

If you’d prefer your little one to stand apart from the crowd and blaze their own trail, why not try one of these unique baby girl names with Indian origins.

11. Abhilasha. Used by Hindi people, this unique Indian girls’ name is the feminine version of Abhilash, meaning “desire” and “wish.” This could be a lovely choice if your little one was a longtime wish for you and your family.

12. Akanksha. This unusual Indian baby girl name has the same meaning as the previous name, “wish” and “desire.” It’s also used by speakers of the Hindi language.

13. Anima. In Sanskrit Anima means “minuteness.” It’s a cute and fun name for your little one, who may be tiny right now, but pretty soon, she may have a larger-than-life personality.

14. Chanda. Used in Hinduism and by Hindi speakers, this name for girls means “fierce” and “passionate” in Sanskrit—perfect for your strong-minded little woman. If you like Asian names with the Chan sound, Chanda is similar to the popular Chinese girls’ name Chang, meaning “free.”

15. Gul. With its pretty meaning of “flower” in Urdu, Gul is a unique Indian girls’ name that could be perfect for your blossoming springtime baby.

16. Harinder. Harinder is an Indian girls’ name used by the Sikhs. It’s a variant of Harendra, which is a combination of Hari and Indra, two Hindu gods.

17. Jaswinder. Used by the Sikhs, this unique Indian baby girls’ name also contains the name of the Hindu god Indra. Its meanings of “fame,” “praise,” and “glory” might be apt for your little star.

18. Kshitija. This beautifully unusual Hindi and Marathi name means “born of the earth” and “horizon.”

19. Lilavati. It’s difficult not to be won over by this rare and pretty Indian and Hindi girls’ name, especially with its meaning of “charming” and “graceful.” Adding to the grace of this name is its thirteenth-century namesake, the queen of Sri Lanka.

20. Nithya. From southern India and used by Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu speakers, this girls’ name means “eternal” in Sanskrit, symbolizing the eternal love between you and your baby girl.

More Unique Indian Girl Names

If you can’t have enough of those intriguing, unique Indian girl names, here are some more of the best for you to enjoy.

Choosing a baby name can be fun yet also overwhelming. Watch this video for some exciting facts that could help you find the perfect baby name!

Beautiful Indian Girl Names

You may see your baby girl as the most beautiful thing you’ve ever witnessed, and that means she deserves a name to match that beauty. Here are some pretty Indian girl names that not only sound beautiful but also have sublime meanings.

31. Arushi. There’s nothing more beautiful than a girls’ name from mythology. Arushi appears in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, as well as in the Rigveda, to describe Agni’s red horses. Its meanings of “red” and “dawn” add passion and awakening to the name.

32. Ezhil. In the Tamil language, this attractive girls’ name simply means “beauty.”

33. Indira. Here’s another name meaning “beauty” for your gorgeous baby girl. Indira was also the name of the first female prime minister in India, Indira Gandhi, giving your little one a strong female namesake to aspire to.

34. Devika. Here's a fitting name for your baby girl, one meaning “little goddess.” This Indian girls’ name is commonly used by Hindi communities.

35. Drishti. If you’re no stranger to yoga, you may recognize this word as the focused gaze used in the practice. In Sanskrit, it means “sight,” making it a beautiful and almost meditative name for your little one.

36. Esha. With its soft sound, Esha is a gentle and beautiful Indian name for girls meaning “desire” in Sanskrit. This name is used primarily by Hindi speakers but could be a lovely choice for any little girl.

37. Kalyani. Literally meaning “beautiful” and “lovely,” this melodic baby girls’ name is found in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It’s the name of one of the star clusters known as the Krittikas or Pleiades.

38. Karishma. Your little one is truly a miracle, so why not choose a name that reflects that? Meaning “miracle” in Hindi, Karishma is a delightful name choice.

39. Kaur. In the Indian Sikh culture, it’s common for females to take Kaur, meaning “princess,” as a surname or middle name. Whether you adhere to Sikhism or not, this noble name is a beautiful option for your own little princess.

40. Roshni. The name Roshni is a Hindi and Marathi name, with the lovely meaning “brightness.” It sounds quite similar to the beautiful Irish girls’ name Rosheen (Róisín), and may be a great choice if your baby is of Indian and Irish descent.

More Beautiful Indian Girl Names

Check out more pretty Indian girl names below.

Modern Indian Girl Names

If you’re less traditional and prefer trendy names with modern twists, check out some of these modern Indian baby girl names for your little trendsetter.

51. Aadrika. With its trendy double A and powerful meanings of “mountain” and “celestial” in Sanskrit, Aadrika is a great choice among top modern Indian girl names.

52. Aarna. If you’re a lover of water and searching for Indian girl names meaning “ocean,” look no further than this modern moniker. It’s one of the names given to the goddess Lakshmi, daughter of the king of the milky ocean.

53. Ahana. If your daughter is born at the break of day, or you enjoy the symbolism of a new day, you could select Ahana, which means “dawn” in Sanskrit. It has a short and trendy sound, with the options of Hana and Ana as nicknames. The sweet nickname Hana is also a Korean girl’s name meaning “one.”

54. Disha. Used in the Hindi and Marathi languages, Disha means “direction.”

55. Kashvi. This bright and modern name means “shining” in the Hindi and Urdu languages. If you want a cool twist for your little star, you could even use Kash or Vi as a nickname.

56. Kaveri. Naming your little one after a beloved body of water, such as a river, is both meaningful and trendy. Kaveri is a sacred river that flows through southern India, so if you have an affinity for the Kaveri River or your baby girl is a water sign, why not give this name a go?

57. Lasya. If you hail from a family of dancers, think about Lasya for your daughter's name, as it’s the name of the graceful and joyful dance performed by the goddess Parvati. This enchanting dance is known as the dance of women and may delight both you and your own little dancer.

58. Mahika. This beautiful, modern name for girls means “mist” and “dew” in Sanskrit and is used in Hindi.

59. Nakshatra. A girls’ name that might appeal to fans of astrology, Nakshatra is a term used in Hindu astrology and Indian astronomy and means “star” in Sanskrit.

60. Priya. Meaning “beloved” in Sanskrit, Priya is a name traditionally given to girls born in August. In Hindu mythology, this is the name of King Daksha’s daughter. Another similar name is Priyanka, with the sweet meaning of “amiable.”

More Modern Indian Girl Names

Keep reading for even more of the best modern Indian girl names.

Hindu Girl Names

Hindu names are often rich in mythology, and naming traditions may involve astrology and astronomy. So, check out these names full of natural beauty and wonderment, and consider a Hindu girls’ name for your little goddess.

71. Aditi. In Hindu mythology, Aditi is the goddess of fertility and the sky. What better way to celebrate the creation of your baby girl than with this name! In Sanskrit, it means “boundless” and “freedom,” adding to the ethereal vibe of this name.

72. Ananta. Meaning “infinite” in Sanskrit, this beautiful Hindu girls’ name is an epithet of the goddess Parvati.

73. Aruna. This gender-neutral name belongs to the Hindu god who drives the sun god Surya across the sky in a chariot.

74. Bhumi. For a grounded Hindu girls’ name, why not try out Bhumi, meaning “earth.” It’s also the name of the Hindu earth goddess. It makes a wonderful choice for earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) or lovers of gardening and farming.

75. Chandra. This celestial moniker means “moon” in Sanskrit, adding natural beauty and brightness to this Hindu baby girls’ name.

76. Devi. Your baby girl deserves a name that reflects her beauty, and Devi may be just that! With its meaning of “goddess” and nod towards the Hindu mother goddess, Devi may lend strength and grace to your child.

77. Durga. If you’re looking for a powerful Hindu girl name, try Durga, the name of a warrior goddess who's usually depicted with 12 arms and 3 eyes. She adds a fierce and formidable vibe to this name, making it a perfect Indian name for a strong little female.

78. Gayatri. This name often refers to a song or hymn from the Vedic texts, which is personified by the Hindu goddess. So, if you come from a family of musicians, this name might be a melodic choice.

79. Kamakshi. With its meanings of “love,” “desire,” and “eye,” as well as being the name of a Hindu goddess of fertility, Kamakshi makes for a fruitful name choice.

80. Lakshmi. If you wish to bring extra luck to your baby girl, giving her this name could be ideal, as Lakshimi is a Hindu goddess of prosperity, luck, and beauty. Lakshmi is also the wife of Vishnu and the lotus flower is her symbol, which adds a touch of purity, resilience, and rebirth to this beautiful Indian girls’ name.

More Hindu Girl Names

Still on the hunt for the perfect name? Check out the selections below for more Hindu girl names.

Cute Indian Girl Names

For a name as adorable as your tiny baby girl, check out our list of short and extremely cute Indian girl names.

91. Arti. Also spelled Aarti, this adorable little name is an Hindi and Marathi name. It actually comes from the name of a Hindu ritual in which light is offered up to the gods. So, not only is Arti extremely cute, but it also reflects the light that your baby girl brings to your life.

92. Asha. Meaning “wish,” “hope,” and “desire” in Sanskrit, this sweet and trendy-sounding name for girls may be all you’ve ever wished for.

93. Dipa. Another cute Indian girl name with a bright future is Dipa, meaning “light” in Sanskrit. The short and simple spelling adds a trendy and modern vibe to this girls’ name that’s used in Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, Bengali, Malayalam, and Tamil languages. You could also consider the variant Deepa.

94. Gita. Meaning “song” in Sanskrit, this cute Indian girls’ name could be hard to resist as you think about naming your little songbird.

95. Hira. Your baby girl is the most precious thing in your life, and you might select that reflects that. In Sanskrit, Hira means “diamond,” and the name for girls is commonly used in Urdu, Nepali, Punjabi, Gujarati, and Hindi. Will your little one sparkle with this name?

96. Jaya. This cool and cute Indian girls’ name has the strong Sanskrit meaning of “victory.” In southern India, this name is used for males and females, whereas in the North, it’s typically a female name.

97. Kamini. The mini ending of this name makes it extra adorable and provides a sweet nickname option. Kamini means “desirable” in Sanskrit and is often chosen by Hindi speakers.

98. Kasi. The girls’ name Kasi is commonly used by Telugu and Tamil speakers in southern India. It's a form of the name Hindi name, Kashi, which comes from the name of a holy city in India, now known as Varanashi. It has the beautiful meaning of “shining.”

99. Mira. Here’s another popular Indian girls’ name with the meaning “ocean.” If you’re inspired by nature names, Mira might be a sweet option. It’s also a popular name in Canada, the United States, and many European countries.

100. Rashmi. What’s more apt for your little girl than a name meaning “ray of sunlight”! Rashmi is used by speakers of Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil and is an adorable choice for your little sunshine.

More Cute Indian Girl Names

Here are even more cute Indian girl names for you to choose from.

Long Indian Girl Names

Long baby names can convey elegance and provide a multitude of nickname options for your little one. Feast your eyes on these quietly dignified long Indian girl names.

111. Aishwarya. In Sanskrit, this name for girls means “prosperity.” If you wish to start your baby girl on the road to prosperity, this lovely name might be a good start. The Indian actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is a famous bearer of this name.

112. Anoushka. Not only is this long name used by Hindi and Sinhalese people, but it’s also a Dutch name and is often a diminutive of Anna.

113. Arundhati. If you’re interested in celestial and nature names, consider Arundhati, which is the name of a star as well as a type of climbing plant. Arundhati appears as the wife of Vasishtha in Hindu mythology.

114. Chandrakanta. If you’re looking for long names, this is one of the longest on our list. It has the whimsical Sanskrit meaning of “beloved by the moon,” making this name dreamy yet dignified.

115. Indumathi. If you loved the last celestial name, perhaps you’ll love another. Indumathi means “full moon” in Sanskrit. If your baby girl is born on the night of a full moon, this name might be an interesting option.

116. Jannatul Ferdous. Meaning “gardens of paradise,” this Bengali name comes from the Arabic phrase jannat al-firdaws. The meaning gives it a beautifully ethereal vibe.

117. Parminder. Your little one might achieve great things with this name, meaning “best” in Sanskrit, as well as being combined with Indra, the name for the Hindu god.

118. Rajkumari. This Hindi name is perfect for conveying royalty with its meaning of “princess” in Sanskrit.

119. Shakuntala. Meaning “bird” in Sanskrit, this name can be found in Hindu legend. The story tells of a girl raised in a forest by birds before she marries King Dushyanta. This may be a beautiful and fantastical bedtime story for your little one.

120. Vasundhara. This Hindi and Telugu name means “possessing wealth” in Sanskrit.

More Long Indian Girl Names

If you enjoyed those long Indian girl names, here are more for you:

Even More Indian Names for Girls

Treat yourself and check out even more wonderful Indian girl names.

The Bottom Line

If you were inspired by those Indian girl names and enjoyed dipping your toes into the richness of Indian culture, perhaps you’d like to check out some more beautiful names, such as our Spanish girl names or Italian girl names.

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