Indian baby names for girls, boys, and gender neutral

Choosing a Name: A Meaningful Beginning

When expecting a child, one of the very first gifts you get to give is their Indian baby name. Many parents today search for modern Indian names, names that feel fresh, meaningful, and rooted in tradition. You might be exploring baby girl names, thinking of baby boy names, or considering gender neutral names, names that don’t lean strongly male or female. In India, especially within Hindu families, choosing a name is not just about sound, but often about meaning, cultural heritage, and even astrological considerations, so many love to use Hindu baby names that carry divine or virtuous significance.

What Makes a Good Baby Name?

Before diving into lists, it helps to think about what makes a name “good.” Here are some guiding ideas:

• Meaning and sound: Indian names often have roots in Sanskrit or regional languages, and many carry meanings tied to nature, deities, virtues, elements, or celestial features. A name that sounds pleasant and flows with your surname is ideal.
• Simplicity and spelling: In today’s connected world, a name that’s not too hard to spell or pronounce (in other languages) can make life easier.
• Timelessness vs trendiness: Modern Indian names are rising in popularity. But you’ll want something that remains graceful over time.
• Cultural or religious significance: Many families prefer Hindu baby names that connect to gods, texts, or positive qualities.
• Flexibility: Especially for gender neutral names, you might want a name that can adapt as the child grows, or be comfortable across cultures.

Baby Girl Names: Beauty, Strength, Grace

Below are some lovely baby girl names common in India today. I’ve included a mix of traditional, modern, and more unique picks, along with their meanings.

Some of these names reflect classical roots, while others are rising in popularity as modern Indian names. For example, Anvi and Aaradhya are being picked more often by younger parents seeking a blend of tradition and freshness.

Also, many names start from Sanskrit roots but are easy to pronounce across India and beyond. As an example, Vasudha is rooted in Sanskrit, but in casual speech it remains smooth and melodious.

Baby Boy Names: Strength, Light, Virtue

Here’s a selection of baby boy names that are meaningful and appealing. Some are traditional, some modern, but all have solid grounding.

Trends in 2025 show names like Aarav, Vihaan, Reyansh, and Ishaan as strong contenders in India’s top name charts. 

Some parents combine two names or choose names with dual syllables so the name feels balanced. For instance, Krishiv (a fusion of Krishna and Shiva) is one such modern hybrid picking up interest. 

Gender Neutral & Unisex Names: A Versatile Choice

The idea of gender neutral names (or unisex names) has grown in many places, including India. These are names that are not strongly tied to either gender and can be used flexibly.

In Indian culture, many names work as unisex — sometimes due to spelling or regional use. For example:

• Arya / Aarya — Means “noble one,” and is used by both boys and girls in India. 
• Ananya — In some regions, it’s feminine, but in others it's used as a masculine name too, meaning “unique.” 
• Kiran — Means “ray of light”; used for both males and females in many parts of India.
• Neel / Neela — Neel (blue) may lean male, Neela (female) — but Neel as neutral works too.
• Tara — While traditionally female (star), in some communities, it is used for boys as well.
• Sam / Sameer — Short forms can be more neutral-sounding.

Across India, some names like Nehal, Sonal, Pranjal, Anmol, Kiran, Shashi, Ashwini, and Shakti are used for boys or girls, depending on region and family preference.

When choosing a gender neutral name, you may check how it sounds with your last name, whether people will misgender the child, and how comfortable the child might be later if they want a more gender-specific nickname.

Modern Trends in Indian Baby Names

Naming trends evolve. In recent years:

• Parents are more open to modern Indian names that blend cultural roots with simple sounds.
• Hybrid names (blending two names or mythological elements) are gaining ground.
• Short, crisp names (2–3 syllables) are preferred for ease.
• Nature-inspired names (like Avni “earth”, Tara “star”) and virtue names are popular.
• Some parents lean toward names that work internationally — easy to pronounce in English and Indian languages.
• Gender neutral names are seeing more acceptance, especially in urban and progressive households.

Also, many parents still prefer Hindu baby names, drawing from mythology, scriptures, or qualities like Dharma, Shraddha, Vidya, and Tejas. These offer both meaning and cultural resonance.

Tips to Pick the Right Name

Here are some practical tips:

1. Say it together with your surname: Sometimes a name sounds beautiful alone, but it clashes with your family name. Speak it out loud.
2. Nickname potential: Think about what short or casual version people might use.
3. Check meanings carefully: Make sure the meaning is positive in all languages you speak.
4. Avoid overly trendy names: What’s cool now may feel dated in 20 years.
5. Be open to flexibility: Some names might work well for either gender (unisex) or adapt with prefixes/suffixes.
6. Cultural alignment: If you value Hindu roots, check mythology, epics, and scriptures for inspiration.
7. Avoid complicated spellings: You don’t want the child always correcting others.
8. Check initials: Make sure initials don’t unintentionally form odd words.
9. Ask for feedback: Share shortlisted names with family or close friends to get a fresh perspective.
10. Still leave space: If you’re undecided on gender or name, keep a shortlist and revisit after birth.

Sample Lists Combined

To give you more ideas, here’s a combined list of names you might like, for girls, boys, or unisex:

Girls: Aaradhya, Anvi, Diya, Ishani, Myra, Nitya, Riya, Saumya, Zara, Vasudha
Boys: Aarav, Vihaan, Reyansh, Ishaan, Shaurya, Arjun, Sahil, Darsh, Krish, Neel
Unisex / Gender Neutral: Arya, Kiran, Anmol, Nehal, Pranjal, Ashwini, Sam, Tara

You could also pick one name from each list and mix or adapt. For instance, Arin (a variation of Aryan/Arina) might be comfortable for either gender.

Names are more than labels; they hold stories, hopes, and identity. Whether you choose a deeply traditional Hindu baby name, a fresh modern Indian name, or a gender neutral name, what matters most is that it feels right to you and your child.

When you say the name out loud, picture calling your child on the playground, writing their name on a school register, or hearing it when they grow old. That feeling often reveals what the best name will be.

Remember: there’s no perfect name, only the perfect name for your child.