Choosing a name is one of the first big decisions you make for your baby — and in most Indian families, everyone has an opinion! Dadi wants a traditional name, Nani has a favourite from a bhajan, and you want something modern, meaningful and easy to say anywhere in the world.
This list brings together modern and much-loved Indian baby names from A to Z, each with its meaning, plus a special list of Gujarati baby names. Whether your baby is due in 2027 or you're preparing for the naamkaran, we hope it helps you find “the one”.
What Makes a Baby Name Trend in India Right Now?
- Short and global: 2–3 syllable names like Aarav, Myra, Kiara and Vihaan are easy to say in any country.
- Rooted in meaning: parents still want names linked to gods, nature, virtues or ancient texts.
- “-ansh” names for boys: names like Reyansh, Shivansh and Jivansh (“a part of…”) remain very popular.
- Nature names: Diya (lamp), Tara (star), Bhoomi (earth), Neel (blue).
- Unique spellings: parents tweak spellings to make names stand out — just keep it easy to pronounce.
Indian Baby Names A to Z With Meanings
Many names have more than one meaning depending on the language and region. We've shared the most commonly used meaning.
| Letter | Boy names | Girl names |
|---|---|---|
| A | Aarav (peaceful) Advik (unique) Arjun (bright, shining) Ayaan (gift of God) |
Aadhya (the first power; Goddess Durga) Anaya (caring, compassionate) Aarohi (a musical tune) Avni (earth) |
| B | Bodhi (enlightenment) Bhuvan (the world) Bhavya (grand, magnificent) |
Bhoomi (earth) Bhavya (grand, magnificent) Bhairavi (a raga; Goddess Durga) |
| C | Chaitanya (consciousness) Chirag (lamp) |
Charvi (beautiful) Chhavi (reflection, image) |
| D | Dhruv (pole star; steadfast) Darsh (vision, sight) Daksh (skilful) |
Diya (lamp) Dhriti (courage, patience) Divya (divine) |
| E | Ekansh (the whole) Eshaan (Lord Shiva) |
Ekta (unity) Eshita (desired) |
| G | Gaurav (pride) Govind (Lord Krishna) |
Gauri (Goddess Parvati) Gargi (a learned sage of the Upanishads) |
| H | Hriday (heart) Harsh (joy) |
Hiya (heart) Harini (deer) |
| I | Ishaan (Lord Shiva; the sun) Ivaan (gift of God) |
Ira (earth; Goddess Saraswati) Ishita (mastery; desired) |
| J | Jay (victory) Jivansh (part of life) |
Jiya (heart, life) Janvi (the river Ganga) |
| K | Kabir (great; the poet-saint) Krish (Lord Krishna) Kiaan (grace of God) |
Kavya (poetry) Kiara (bright, clear) Kashvi (shining) |
| L | Lakshya (aim, goal) Laksh (target) |
Lavanya (grace, beauty) Laasya (a graceful dance) |
| M | Mihir (the sun) Madhav (Lord Krishna) |
Myra (beloved) Mahi (earth) Meera (devotee of Krishna) |
| N | Neel (blue) Nirvaan (liberation) Nakul (one of the Pandavas) |
Navya (new, young) Nitya (eternal) Nysa (beginning) |
| O | Ojas (vitality, strength) Om (the sacred sound) |
Ojasvi (radiant) Oviya (artist) |
| P | Parth (Arjun) Pranav (the sacred Om) |
Prisha (beloved; gift of God) Pari (fairy) |
| R | Reyansh (ray of light; part of Lord Vishnu) Rudra (Lord Shiva) Rehaan (fragrant) |
Riya (singer) Ruhi (soul) Raashi (collection; zodiac sign) |
| S | Shivansh (part of Lord Shiva) Shaurya (bravery) Samar (war; also “fruit”) |
Saanvi (Goddess Lakshmi) Siya (Goddess Sita) Sara (pure) |
| T | Tanay (son) Tejas (brilliance) |
Tara (star) Tanvi (delicate, beautiful) |
| U | Utkarsh (excellence) Udit (risen, awakened) |
Urvi (earth) Unnati (progress) |
| V | Vihaan (dawn) Vivaan (full of life) Ved (sacred knowledge) |
Vaani (speech; Goddess Saraswati) Vanya (gracious gift) Vedika (altar) |
| Y | Yash (fame, glory) Yuvraj (prince) |
Yashvi (famous) Yamini (night) |
Gujarati Baby Names With Meanings
Gujarati families often love short, sweet names with deep meaning — many inspired by Lord Krishna, Jain values and Gujarati words for love and joy. Here are names you'll hear in Gujarati homes from Ahmedabad and Surat to Mumbai and abroad.
Gujarati baby boy names
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Het | Love, affection |
| Dhairya | Patience, courage |
| Krishiv | Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva together |
| Vraj | Braj, the land of Lord Krishna |
| Dhyan | Meditation, focus |
| Mann | Mind, heart |
| Tirth | Holy place of pilgrimage |
| Jeet | Victory |
| Parv | Festival, celebration |
| Nirav | Quiet, calm |
| Vansh | Lineage, family |
| Kahan | A loving name for Lord Krishna |
Gujarati baby girl names
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hetvi | Love, affection |
| Dhwani | Sound, melody |
| Krupa | Grace, kindness |
| Khushi | Happiness |
| Riddhi | Prosperity |
| Siddhi | Achievement, success |
| Vrunda | Tulsi (holy basil) |
| Heer | Diamond |
| Dhruvi | Firm, steady (like the pole star) |
| Nidhi | Treasure |
| Hetal | Friendly, loving |
| Kinjal | River bank |
Did you know? In many Gujarati families, the baby sleeps in a traditional ghodiyu from the first days, often while the family sings lullabies — and sometimes the name is first whispered to the baby there. Read why Indian parents still trust the ghodiyu for infant sleep.
Unisex Indian Names
Want a name that works for a boy or a girl? These are loved by parents who want something modern and flexible:
- Bhavya — grand, magnificent
- Kiran — ray of light
- Arya — noble
- Noor — light
- Shubh — auspicious
- Ira — earth
How to Choose the Right Name for Your Baby
- Say it out loud with your surname. Does it flow? Avoid names that create an awkward combination.
- Check the meaning in more than one source. Many Indian names have different meanings in Sanskrit, Hindi, Gujarati or other languages.
- Think about nicknames. Indian families love shortening names — make sure you like the likely nickname too.
- Keep spelling simple. A unique spelling is nice, but your child will spell it on every form for life.
- Consider the naming letter. Many families choose a starting letter (akshar) based on the baby's rashi or nakshatra, suggested by the family priest.
- Try it out for a few days. Call your baby by the name at home before you make it official.
Planning the Naamkaran?
The naamkaran (naming ceremony) is traditionally held around the 11th or 12th day after birth, though families follow different customs and dates. It's a joyful family occasion where the baby's name is announced — often with a puja, close relatives and a few gifts for the little one.
If you're attending a naamkaran and need a gift, see our top gifts for newborn babies in India, or browse ready-to-gift combos and gift sets like the Newborn Snuggle Set. For new parents still getting ready, the hospital bag checklist and newborn essentials are a good place to start.
And once your little one has a name, follow their journey with our baby milestones month-by-month guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the trending Indian baby boy names?
Short, meaningful names like Aarav, Vihaan, Vivaan, Reyansh, Ayaan, Kabir, Ishaan and Shivansh are among the most loved modern Indian boy names.
What are the trending Indian baby girl names?
Popular modern Indian girl names include Aadhya, Myra, Saanvi, Anaya, Kiara, Prisha, Navya and Diya.
What are some unique Gujarati baby names?
Gujarati families love names like Het, Dhairya, Krishiv, Vraj and Kahan for boys, and Hetvi, Dhwani, Krupa, Vrunda and Heer for girls.
When is the naamkaran ceremony done?
The naamkaran is traditionally held around the 11th or 12th day after birth, but the timing varies by family and community. Many families consult a priest for an auspicious date and starting letter.
How do I choose a baby name based on rashi?
Many Indian families choose the first letter (akshar) of the name based on the baby's rashi or nakshatra at birth. A family priest or astrologer usually suggests the suitable letters.
