With over 19,500 languages and dialects spoken in India, baby names can vary from region to region, giving rise to a plethora of interesting baby names. Most Indian names are in Hindi or Urdu that have roots in Indo-Aryan languages like Sanskrit, along with influences of Persian and Arabic. Many names like Pooja, Rohit, Anjali, and Jai are timeless, and they never grow old. Additionally, other options climb the popularity charts as parents look for new and unique names for their babies. Ultimately, there are so many wonderful Indian baby names to choose from whether you are looking for an old classic, an evergreen name, a name with a beautiful meaning, or one with a modern twist.

Here are some of the popular and unique Indian baby names for girls, along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information.

Anika

Origin: Sanskrit, Hindu, Scandinavian, African, Arabic, Hebrew, Dutch, MaoriMeaning: Graceful, brilliance, sweet face, another name for Goddess DurgaAlternative Spelling & Variations: Anikha, Aneeka, AnnikaFamous Namesakes: Actress, dancer, and model from Bangladesh Anika Kabir Shakh, American actress and singer Anika Noni Rose.Peak Popularity: Anika reached peak popularity between 2003 and 2006 in the US and continues to be a popular name in India.

Arya

Origin: Sanskrit, Persian Meaning: Noble, respectable, honorable, another name for Goddess Parvati Alternative Spelling & Variations: Aarya, Aria, Aryaa, Ariya Famous Namesakes: Indian singer Aarya Ambekar, Indian actress Arya Satheesh Peak Popularity: Arya, which is quite popular in India, is an increasingly popular name in the U.S. It went from ranking 942 in 2010 to 92 in 2019.

Bhavini

Origin: Sanskrit Meaning: Emotional, beautiful woman, caring, another name for Goddess ParvatiAlternative Spelling & Variations: Bhavani, BhawiniFamous Namesakes: Indian actress Bhavini Purohit, Indian actress and YouTuber Bhavini SoniPeak Popularity: Bhavini is a unique name in the U.S. with peak popularity in 1982. It is a popular name in India.

Chaaya

Origin: Sanskrit, HindiMeaning: Shade, shadow, reflectionAlternative Spelling & Variations: Chaya, ChhayaFamous Namesakes: Indian actress Chaya Singh, cosmetic entrepreneur Chaya “Helena” Rubinstein, composer Chaya CzernowinPeak Popularity: Chaya ranks in the U.S. Top 1,000. In 2020, it was 676 on the list.

Diya

Origin: Sanskrit, ArabicMeaning: Lamp, glow, light, radiant, deserving of giftsAlternative Spelling & Variations: Dhiya, DiaFamous Namesakes: Indian Actress Diya MirzaPeak Popularity: Diya is one of the top 10 favorite choices for baby girls in India. It is unique to the U.S. with only 300 babies a year named Diya, but growing in popularity.

Eesha

Origin: Sanskrit, ArabicMeaning: Desire, attractive, supreme, divine, way of life, Goddess ParvatiAlternative Spelling & Variations: Esha, Eshah, Eisha, IshaFamous Namesakes: Indian actress and model Isha KoppikharPeak Popularity: Eesha remains quite a popular name for girls in India and reached peak popularity in 2010 in the U.S.

Freya

Origin: Hindi, Norse, Arabic, PersianMeaning: Beloved, noble, Goddess of loveAlternative Spelling & Variations: Farra, Fara, Veera, Vera, Freeya, FriyaFamous Namesakes: English actress Freya Allan, former deputy prime minister of Belgium Freya Van den BosschePeak Popularity: Freya is a popular name for girls n the U.S., peaking at No. 179 in 2020.

Gauravi

Origin: Sanskrit, HindiMeaning: Polite, courteous, honor, pride, respectAlternative Spelling & Variations: GaurviFamous Namesakes: Princess Gauravi Kumari of JaipurPeak Popularity: Gauravi is a rare name in India. There is no popularity data for this name with the U.S. Social Security Administration.

Harshali

Origin: Sanskrit, Hindi Meaning: Happiness, one who is happyAlternative Spelling & Variations: Harshaali, Harshalee, HarshaFamous Namesakes: Indian child star and model Harshaali Malhotra, Indian author Harshali SinghPeak Popularity: Harshali is quite a popular name in India, but rare in the United States.

Ishani

Origin: SanskritMeaning: Close to God, desire, Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord ShivaAlternative Spelling & Variations: Ishaani, Ishana Famous Namesakes: Indian TV actress Ishani Sharma, social activist, entrepreneur, and Miss Nepal World 2013 Ishani ShresthaPeak Popularity: Ishani reached peak popularity in 2014 and is still trending. It is quite a popular name in India.

Jiya

Origin: Sanskrit, HindiMeaning: Heart, spirit, soul, life, sweetheart, luckAlternative Spelling & Variations: Jeeya, JiaFamous Namesakes: Nepalese actress and model Jiya K.C.Peak Popularity: Jiya is a quite popular name in India. It reached peak popularity in 2008 in the U.S. and has dropped little in popularity since then.

Karishma

Origin: Sanskrit, ancient Greek Meaning: Miracle, gift, grace, favorAlternative Spelling & Variations: KaryshmaFamous Namesakes: Indian actress Karishma KapoorPeak Popularity: Karishma was most popular between 1990 and 2000 with peak popularity in 1995. It is not ranked in the Top 1,000 names in the U.S., but is a fairly common name in India.

Lavanya

Origin: SanskritMeaning: Grace, beauty, charmingAlternative Spelling & Variations: LaavanyaFamous Namesakes: Indian environmental and climate change lawyer and author Lavanya Rajamani, Carnatic musician Lavanya SundararamanPeak Popularity: Lavanya is a unique name and is trending at the moment. It reached peak popularity in 2004 in the U.S.

Manasi

Origin: SanskritMeaning: Deep intellect, spiritual adoration, with a sound mindAlternative Spelling & Variations: Maanasi, Maansi, MansiFamous Namesakes: Indian film and television actress Manasi Joshi Roy, Indian singer-songwriter Manasi Scott, women’s rights activist and author Manasi PradhanPeak Popularity: Mansi reached peak popularity between 2001 and 2002 in the U.S. It is a popular name in India and trending this year.

Nishi

Origin: Sanskrit, JapaneseMeaning: Night, invigorating, excitingAlternative Spelling & Variations: NishyFamous Namesakes: American actress from “The Originals” Nishi Munshi, Japanese philosopher Nishi AmanePeak Popularity: Nishi reached peak popularity in 2008 in the U.S. and is becoming a popular name in India.

Prachi

Origin: Sanskrit Meaning: East, first rays of the sun, morningAlternative Spelling & Variations: Praachi, PracheeFamous Namesakes: Indian actress Prachi Desai, Indian model Prachi MishraPeak Popularity: Prachi is an extremely popular name in India. It reached its peak popularity in the U.S. in 2007 and is trending now.

Riya

Origin: Sanskrit, Greek, Hebrew, SpanishMeaning: Singer, graceful, Goddess LakshmiAlternative Spelling & Variations: Ria, Reeya, Ryia, Riyah, RheaFamous Namesakes: Indian actress and model Riya Sen, Filipina actress Ria Atayde, YouTuber Riya MalikPeak Popularity: In recent years, the name has gained popularity and is trending in India. It spent time in the U.S. top 1,000, but fell off the list after 2017. Its derivation, Rhea ranked No. 628 in 2020,

Saanvi

Origin: SanskritMeaning: One who will be followed, Goddess LakshmiAlternative Spelling & Variations: Sanvee, ShanviFamous Namesakes: Indian film actress Saanvi Dhiman, Indian television actress Saanvi Talwar Peak Popularity: Saanvi debuted in the U.S. top 1,000 in 2011, when it reached a peak of No. 847 on the list.

Saira

Origin: Arabic, Urdu, HebrewMeaning: Traveler or wanderer, princess, poetAlternative Spelling & Variations: Sara, SarahFamous Namesakes: Indian film actress Saira Banu, Canadian model Saira MohanPeak Popularity: Saira is a common name in India. In the U.S., it was most popular between 2000 and 2010.

Tanishi

Origin: Sanskrit, Hindi, Meaning: Pure, Goddess Durga Alternative Spelling & Variations: TanishaFamous Namesakes: Japanese comedian Tanishi MatsubaraPeak Popularity: Tanishi is a trending name in India. It is a fairly uncommon name in the U.S. with peak popularity in 2013.

Tara

Origin: Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, Gaelic, Irish, EnglishMeaning: Star, someone special, shining, radiant, the light of the soul, name of Hindu GoddessAlternative Spelling & Variations: TaraaFamous Namesakes: Indian activist Tara Singh, Indian actress Tara Sharma, American actress Tara Reid, Canadian-Australian author Tara MossPeak Popularity: Tara was a mainstay in the U.S. top 100 throughout the 1970s and ’80s, reaching peak popularity in 1977 at No. 35. It fell out of the top 1,000 in 2018.

Urmi

Origin: SanskritMeaning: a wave, ocean, becoming manifest, speedAlternative Spelling & Variations: Urmie, Urmika, Urmimala, OormiFamous Namesakes: Indian screenwriter and documentary filmmaker Urmi Juvekar, Dutch-Surinamese film actress Urmie PleinPeak Popularity: It is a unique name in the U.S. with peak popularity in 2002. In India, too, it is a rare name, but it is becoming popular.

Vedika

Origin: SanskritMeaning: Full of knowledge, one who has knowledge of the Vedas, a celestial being, consciousness, a sacred altarAlternative Spelling & Variations: Vedhika, VedicaFamous Namesakes: Indian film actress Vedhika Kumar, Indian-American physicist Vedika KhemaniPeak Popularity: Vedika is a unique name for babies in India. It is also a unique name in the U.S. with peak popularity in 2006.

Yashi

Origin: Sanskrit, Hindi, JapaneseMeaning: Famous, successful, victorious, gloriousAlternative Spelling & Variations: Yashee, Yaashi, YashikaFamous Namesakes: TikTok star, YouTuber, actress, and model Yashi Tank; writer, poet, and mental health advocate Yashi BrownPeak Popularity: Yashi is a unique and trending name in India, though it has not broken into the top 1,000 names in the U.S.

Zoya

Origin: Urdu, Persian, Russian, Ukrainian, GreekMeaning: Life, rejoicing, alive, loving, love, radiantAlternative Spelling & Variations: Joya, Zoe, Zoyah, ZoeyaFamous Namesakes: Indian film director and screenwriter Zoya Akhtar, Soviet war hero Zoya KosmodemyanskayaPeak Popularity: Zoya is a popular name in India. In the United States, it breached the top 1,000 list in 2020, at 919.

Here are some of the popular and unique Indian baby names for boys along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information.

Aahan

Origin: Sanskrit, HindiMeaning: Dawn sunrise, first ray of light, Alternative Spelling & Variations: Ahaan, Aahaan, AhanFamous Namesakes: Indian model and film actor Ahaan PandeyPeak Popularity: Aahan is one of the popular names trending since last year in India and it peaked in popularity in the U.S. in 2018 and still going up on the popularity charts.

Aarav

Origin: SanskritMeaning: Peaceful, wisdom, calming soundAlternative Spelling & Variations: AravFamous Namesakes: Indian actor and model Aarav ChowdharyPeak Popularity: Aarav is one of the most popular names in India. Aarav entered the Top 1,000 names in 2008 in the U.S. and is climbing in popularity since. 

Bhavesh

Origin: SanskritMeaning: Lord of emotions, Lord of existence, another name for Lord ShivaAlternative Spelling & Variations: Bhawesh, BhavishFamous Namesakes: Indian actor Bhavesh Balchandani, Indian entrepreneur Bhavesh BhatiaPeak Popularity: Bhavesh peaked in popularity between 1980 and 1990. In the past few years, it is trending again in the U.S. and India.

Chetan

Origin: Sanskrit, HindiMeaning: Spirt of life, vigor, intelligenceAlternative Spelling & Variations: Chethan, Chetana, ChaitanyaFamous Namesakes: Indian author and columnist Chetan Bhagat, Indian test-match cricketer Chetan ChauhanPeak Popularity: Chetan peaked in popularity between 1980 and 1990. It is a common name in Indian and Nepal. In the past few years, it is trending again in the U.S. and India.

Devansh

Origin: Sanskrit, HindiMeaning: Part of God, Alternative Spelling & Variations: Devaansh, Dewansh, DevanshuFamous Namesakes: Indian actor and director Devansh DoshiPeak Popularity: Devansh reached peak popularity in 2017 in the U.S. It is a unique name both in India and the U.S.

Eshaan

Origin: Sanskrit, Hindi, UrduMeaning: Desire, wish, Lord Shiva, northeast directionAlternative Spelling & Variations: Eshan, IshanFamous Namesakes: English comedian, writer, and actor Eshaan Akbar; American film, TV, and stage actor Eshan BayPeak Popularity: Eshaan is getting steadily popular in the U.S. since the late 1990s and it is a fairly popular name in India trending in 2020.

Farhan

Origin: PersianMeaning: Joyful, happyAlternative Spelling & Variations: Faran, FarhaanFamous Namesakes: Indian film actor and director Farhan Akhtar, South African international cricketer Farhaan Behardien Peak Popularity: Farhan is a popular name in India. Farhan was most popular between 1980 and 1990 and reach its peak in 1985 in the U.S.

Gautam

Origin: SanskritMeaning: The bright one in the darkness, full of life, wise, the enlightened oneAlternative Spelling & Variations: GotamaFamous Namesakes: Indian industrialist Gautam Vijaypat Singhania, Indian international cricketer Gautam GambhirPeak Popularity: It is quite a common name in India. Gautam was most popular between 1980 and 1990 in the U.S. and is currently gaining popularity again.

Hitesh

Origin: Sanskrit, HindiMeaning: One who thinks well of everyone, Lord of goodness, well-wisherAlternative Spelling & Variations: HitishFamous Namesakes: Icelandic songwriter, producer, and composer Hitesh Ceon, Kenyan international cricketer Hitesh ModiPeak Popularity: It is a common name in India gaining popularity again in 2020. The name peaked in popularity in 1983, and in recent years it has become trendy again in the U.S.

Ishank

Origin: SanskritMeaning: Peak of the Himalayas, Lord Shiva and Goddess ParvatiAlternative Spelling & Variations: EshankFamous Namesakes: Indian cricketer Ishank Jaggi Peak Popularity: Ishank is a unique name in the U.S. and it is currently trending in India with peak popularity in 2021.

Jatin

Origin: SanskritMeaning: Another name for Lord Shiva, disciplined, one with matted hair, the auspicious oneAlternative Spelling & Variations: JathinFamous Namesakes: Bollywood music composer Jatin Pandit, contemporary artist Jatin Das, Indian actor Jatin KanakiaPeak Popularity: It is ranked among the most popular names in India. Jatin was popular between 1980 and 1990 in the U.S.

Kunal

Origin: SanskritMeaning: Lotus, one who sees beauty in everythingAlternative Spelling & Variations: KunaalFamous Namesakes: British actor Kunal Nayyar from the Big Bang Theory, Indian actor Kunal KapoorPeak Popularity: Kunal is a popular name in India and is trending in 2021. Kunal was most popular in the 1990s in the U.S.

Lokesh

Origin: Sanskrit, HindiMeaning: God, Lord of the worldFamous Namesakes: Prominent Vedic period scholar Lokesh Chandra, Indian film director Lokesh KanagarajPeak Popularity: Lokesh is quite a popular name in India but is uncommon in the U.S. with peak popularity in 2004.

Milan

Origin: Sanskrit, Hindi, Old Slavic, Italian, GermanMeaning: Union, to meet, joining together, grace, favorAlternative Spelling & Variations: Milaan, MeelanFamous Namesakes: Czech professional ice hockey Milan Michálek, British violinist and pianist Neil MilanPeak Popularity: It is one of the popular names in India. In 2020, Milan was ranked the 429th most popular name in the U.S. and has trending for the past few years.

Nishant

Origin: SanskritMeaning: Dawn, early morning, the Moon, end of the nightAlternative Spelling & Variations: Nishanath, NishanthFamous Namesakes: Indian actor Nishant Singh Malkhani, British stand-up comedian Nishant KumarPeak Popularity: Nishant is a common Indian name with peak popularity in the 1990s. In the U.S., it reached peak popularity in 1983.

Onkar

Origin: Hindi, GurmukhiMeaning: God is only one, the sacred symbol OmAlternative Spelling & Variations: OmkarFamous Namesakes: British Labor Party politician Onkar Sahota, Canadian philosopher Onkar GhatePeak Popularity: Onkar was most popular between 2000 and 2010 in the U.S. It is a unique name in India.

Prayan

Origin: Sanskrit, HindiMeaning: Supreme Intelligence, to marchAlternative Spelling & Variations: PrayaanPeak Popularity: In India, the name is trending in 2021. There is no popularity data for the name in the U.S.

Rohan

Origin: Sanskrit, Hindi, IrishMeaning: Ascending, blossoming, one who takes the higher path, Lord VishnuAlternative Spelling & Variations: RowanFamous Namesakes: Indian professional tennis player Rohan Bopanna, Australian cyclist Rohan Dennis, Jamaican entrepreneur Rohan MarleyPeak Popularity: Rohan is a fairly common name in India and has dropped in popularity since 2018. It is the 797th most popular name in the U.S. as of 2020, and reached peak popularity in 2004.

Reyansh

Origin: SanskritMeaning: Part of the sun, ray of light, first ray of sunlight, Lord VishnuAlternative Spelling & Variations: Reyaansh, RiyanshFamous Namesakes: Indian TV actor and model Reyaansh Chadda, Peak Popularity: It is an uncommon Indian name that climbed into the U.S. Top 1,000 in 2014.

Shayan

Origin: Hindi, Persian, Native American IndianMeaning: Courteous, intelligent, worthy of good things, to sleepAlternative Spelling & Variations: Shayaan, Famous Namesakes: Indian actor and model Shayan Munshi, International multi-award-winning entrepreneur and musician Shayan Italia Peak Popularity: Shayan reached peak popularity in 2014 and is climbing the ranks again since 2019.

Shivin

Origin: HindiMeaning: Another name for Lord Shiva, one who maintains life and deathAlternative Spelling & Variations: ShivenFamous Namesakes: Indian television actor Shivin NarangPeak Popularity: Shivin reached peak popularity in the U.S. in 2016, but is still a unique name. It is not a common name in India.

Tanay

Origin: SanskritMeaning: SonFamous Namesakes: Indian child actor Tanay Chheda, Indian author Tanay PantPeak Popularity: Tanay reached peak popularity in 2007. Since 2016 the name has been trending and has maintained its rank.

Urvish

Origin: SanskritMeaning: King, Lord of the EarthAlternative Spelling & Variations: UrveshPeak Popularity: Urvish is a familiar name in India and the U.S. However, the name is not ranked in the popularity charts.

Vivaan

Origin: Sanskrit, HindiMeaning: Full of life, Lord Krishna, a woven chairAlternative Spelling & Variations: Vivan, VivhaanFamous Namesakes: Indian film actor Vivaan ShahPeak Popularity: In India, it is a very popular name. Vivaan made it into the Top 1,000 names in the U.S. in 2014 and stood at No. 876 as of 2019.

Yuvaan

Origin: SanskritMeaning: Youthful, forever young, Lord ShivaAlternative Spelling & Variations: YuvanFamous Namesakes: Indian singer and composer Yuvan Shankar RajaPeak Popularity: Yuvaan gained peak popularity in 2018 in the U.S. and is continuing to trend.

Zain

Origin: Arabic, HebrewMeaning: Beauty and grace, friend, beloved, God is graciousAlternative Spelling & Variations: Zayn, Zein, Zainab, ZayinFamous Namesakes: Indian TV actor Zain Imam, English singer, and songwriter Zain Malik; Indian actor and poet Zain Khan DurraniPeak Popularity: In 2020, Zain was the 573rd most popular name in the U.S. for baby boys and is trending again. It is an uncommon name in India but is trending since 2020.