Hindu Names for Boys and Girls

Looking for names that will help your baby stand out from the crowd? Consider these gorgeous Hindu names—several of which have some red-hot pop culture ties—for your future son or daughter.

Anika

This alternative name for the warrior goddess, Durga, is also commonly used as a nickname for Anna in Scandinavia. Durga was known for battling demons and evil to bring balance to the world.

Hara

The god Siva has over 1000 different variant names—and this is one of them. Hara means "to seize."

Jaya

This name may read like a combo of trendy picks Jayden and Maya, but it's a Hindu name that means "victory."

Kamala

This pretty name variation for the goddess Lakshmi has California senator Kamala Harris as its biggest claim to fame. The name means "lotus."

Krishna

The god Vishnu is associated with this name, which means "dark."

Meera

A famous Hindu poet bears this name, which means "prosperous." (It's also a name that's been used on Game of Thrones for the companion of Bran Stark.)

Parvati

One of many alternative names for the wife of Siva (including Durga/Anika), Parvati means "daughter of the mountain." In modern times, Parvati Patil was a fellow Gryffindor and Harry Potter's date for the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Padma

Another alternative name for the goddess Lakshmi, Padma means "lotus." It was featured in the Harry Potter series as well, as the twin sister of Parvati (and Ron Weasley's Yule Ball date), and Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi also sports the name. Star Wars fans may go for the spelling Padme instead, in honor of the mother of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa.

Suria

Suria is actually a male sun god in the Hindu faith, but this name reads more feminine than masculine to a Western ear.

Uma

This name is likely more associated with actress Uma Thurman than its origin, the goddess Sakti. Uma means "nation."

Arjun

While under the radar here in the U.S., Arjun is popular in India. It's the name of a Hindu hero who was the son of the gods. Arjun means "shining."

Devraj

This regal Hindu name means "ruler of the gods," and can be shorted to the lovely Raj.

Dhani

Beatle George Harrison picked this name for his son. It means "rich," and is a soundalike for Danny.

Narain

Associated with the god Vishnu, this Hindu baby name means "protector."

Nikhil

This Indian baby name means "complete," and comes with a very American nickname—Nick or Niki.

Rahm

This Indian name, associated with President Obama's first chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, means "pleasing."

Raj

This royal name means "king."

Ravi

One of the most chic Hindu baby names, Ravi is connected to the Hindu sun god.

Sajan

This elegant Hindu name means "beloved."

Varun

A popular boys' name in India, Varun is associated with the god of water.