Parenting

40 Modern Indian Baby Boy Names That Are Still Uncommon in the US

ParentingPublished Apr 19, 2018
By Jordyn Smith
indian baby boy nameskate_sept2004/iStock

Like most countries, India is a place filled with many different cultures, traditions, and histories, and languages. The vast differences between the Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians who live there make for a really interesting combination when it comes to baby names. Naming a child is one of the most important things a parent does, and Indian parents take that job very seriously. The names they choose for their kids often have meanings that are derived from mythology, history, and even gods themselves. 

Ultimately, this means that the list of baby names to choose from is incredibly large -- especially for parents looking to find a name for their baby boy that is rich in history but still has a modern flair. While the task definitely seems like a lot to undertake, India has countless options for cool, strong, and modern names for baby boys. 

The 40 names on this list are some of our favorites. Just like India, these baby boy names are incredibly diverse. They have vastly different origins, different meanings, and even different levels of popularity, but the one thing they do have in common is their appeal to Indian parents and their modern edge. Every single name on this list is perfect for any handsome baby boy needing a fitting moniker. 

And be sure to check out our list of Indian baby girls' names as well!

indian baby boy names
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Ajay
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Ajay

While spelled differently, Ajay bears a strong resemblance to the common American nickname AJ. In Sanskrit, Ajay means "the invincible." It's never gained much popularity in the US, which means it has room to grow!

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Aamir
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Aamir

Aamir holds the powerful meaning of "full" and "prosperous." Historically, the name has also been used to refer to princes and rulers. For any parents looking for a strong, stately name for their little boy, Aamir is perfect.

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Arnesh
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Arnesh

Arnesh beautifully translates to mean "Lord of the sea" in Sanskrit and is heavily involved in Hindu astrology. The name isn't popular in America yet, but there's definitely still time.

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Hari
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Hari

Similar to the common English name Harry, Hari has Sanskrit origins and is another name for the god Shiva. It translates to mean "the sun," "moon," and "light."

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Deepak
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Deepak

Made common by the popular motivational author Deepak Chopra, the name Deepak means "source of light" in Sanskrit. The name has never been incredibly popular in the US but it is relatively common among Indian moms and dads.

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Kirin
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Kirin

For anyone looking for a short, artistic name for their baby boy, Kirin is the perfect place to start. It means "praiser" and "poet" in Sanskrit and is very commonly used by Hindu parents.

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Devesh
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Devesh

Like many Hindu names, Devesh is directly related to a diety. It's actually another name for the god Indra. Devesh translates to mean "God of Gods" or "king of Gods" in Hindi.

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Kunal
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Kunal

Big Bang Theory actor Kunal Nayyar made Kunal a household name in the US recently, but Indian parents have been using it for centuries. Kunal is the modern version of the name Kunala, which means "lotus" in Sanskrit. It also happened to be the name of the son of a famous Indian emperor in the third century BC.

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Naveen

This name may be recognizable as the moniker of Prince Naveen from Disney's Princess and the Frog. But Naveen means "beautiful," "pleasant," and "always new" in Hindi. Any parents looking for a name that will be instantly recognized in any kindergarten class definitely can't go wrong with Naveen.

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Lal
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Lal

Any lovey-dovey parents out there will be happy to learn that the name Lal directly translates to "beloved" and "dear one" in Sanskrit. The name isn't super common among parents in the US or India, but it's definitely made itself well-known.

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Rahi
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Rahi

Rahi is actually a unisex name in India, used for both boys and girls. It's also common among both Muslims and Hindus and translates to mean "traveler" in both cultures. In Hindu astrology, Rahi is another version of the name Rashi, which is another name for Libra.

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Jayesh
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Jayesh

The name Jayesh is thought of as the longer version of that names Jai and Jay. Like the others, it translates to mean "victory" and is mostly used among Hindu parents who want to go the more traditional naming route.

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Kamal
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Kamal

Pronounced ka-MAHL, Kamal is a name common among both Indian Muslims and Hindus. The gorgeous translation of the name means "lotus" and "perfection."

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Rahul
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Rahul

Rahul has highly debated meanings in India. In Hindi, it translates to "conqueror of all miseries." In Arabic, it means "traveler," and among Buddhists, it means "relation." Whichever meaning suits their little boy best, parents have a wide variety of choices with the name Rahul.

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Jovan
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Jovan

Jovan is a name that is common among many different cultures, including Greek and Serbian. In India, however, it means both "nice" and "youth." Jovan peaked in popularity in the US in the '90s, but there's definitely still time for it to make a resurgence.

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Rajesh
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Rajesh

It may be one of the most commonly known Indian names in the Western world, but that doesn't make Rajesh any less special. Meaning "king" in Sanskrit, it is often used among Hindu and Sikh parents. It hasn't made any popularity lists in the US, but that doesn't mean it isn't a great name.

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Neel
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Neel

Said similarly to the English name Neil, Neel is an Indian name that is thought of as an alternative to Shiva. It means "champion," "passionate," and the color blue, which makes it perfect for a wide range of baby boys.

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Jai
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Jai

Jai, also spelled Jay by many parents in India, carries the Sanskrit meaning of "victorious." The name is thought to be derived from the word Jaya, which means "victory."

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Ram
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Ram

Don't be put off by the fact that ram is another name for a bull in English; Ram is an Indian name that is the slightly shorter version of the traditional Rama. It means "one who pleases" and also happens to be the name of a popular hero in Hindu mythology.

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Ojas
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Ojas

Ojas is a name that is incredibly popular with Indian parents. It means "brilliance" and "glow," and Hindu moms and dads are drawn to Ojas because of the name's strength.

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Raman
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Raman

Raman is a unisex first name that is also commonly used as a last name in India. It translates to mean "pleasing" and "beloved" in Hindi, and while it isn't super common, it's a fantastic name choice for any baby boy.

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Ravi
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Ravi

Another name that is thought of as quintessentially Indian among Americans, Ravi comes directly from the Hindu sun god. It also means "benevolent" in Hindi, which makes it very popular with Indian parents.

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Zayn
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Zayn

Recognizable because of the former boy-band member and musician Zayn Mailk, Zayn is a name common among Indian Muslims. It means "bright" and "beautiful" in Arabic, which makes it perfect for any handsome baby boy.

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Milan
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Milan

Milan is typically thought of as being Italian, because of the city and the name, but it also has some firm origins in India. While it isn't super popular, Milan -- which means "union" -- also made the list as one of the most popular boys' names in the US in 2014.

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Rohan
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Rohan

This name may be recognizable because of its striking resemblance to the Irish name Rowan, but Rohan has a history of its own. Rohan means "ascending" in Sanskrit, which explains why it became so popular with parents in the US in the '90s.

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Sahil

Sahil means "guide" and is commonly used by Hindu and Sikhs in India. Since it translates to "shore" and "beach" in Arabic, Muslim parents are drawn to it as well.

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Sanjay
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Sanjay

Sanjay is an incredibly common boy name in India. It means "victory" in Sanskrit and comes from the god Shiva. Sanjay is the perfect strong, godly name for a bouncing baby boy.

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Rudra
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Rudra

Like tons of other Indian names, Rudra is drawn from the name of a Hindu god. It's associated with winds and storms, and a popular translation of the name Rudra is "the roarer," which makes it incredibly fierce.

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Krishna
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Krishna

Krishna comes directly from the Hindu deity of the same name who is the god of compassion, tenderness, and love. Even though Krishna translates to mean "dark" and "black" in Sanskrit, many parents are still drawn to it.

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Shaan
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Shaan

Shaan, pronounced like the Irish name Shawn, has both Hebrew and Hindu origins. In Hindi, the name means both "pride" and "peaceful." Parents in the US haven't made the name popular in recent history, but it definitely belongs on any parent's baby name list.

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Sunny
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Sunny

It doesn't really get any better than Sunny. In addition to sounding sweet, bright, and fun, the name means literally translates to mean "sunshine." The name isn't popular in the US, but it's still incredibly lovable.

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Vittal
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Vittal

For any parent looking for a baby name that naturally brings luck, Vittal is perfect. It means "fortune giver" in Sanskrit and comes from the god Vishnu.

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Arjun
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Arjun

Arjun is a Hindu name with Sanskrit origins that means "bright" or "shining." The two-syllable moniker is definitely popular in India but it also managed to gain some popularity in the US too, becoming one of the most popular boys' names in the country in 2014.

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Bodhi
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Bodhi

Pronounced BO-dee, Bodhi is an incredibly popular Indian and Buddhist name that means "awakening" and "enlightenment" in Sanskrit. Naming a baby boy Bodhi is a surefire way to make sure he gets a strong moniker that means something special.

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Samir
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Samir

A name with Muslim origins that is used often by Indian moms and dads, Samir means "jovial" and "entertaining companion." For anyone searching for a light, simple name with a sweet meaning for their little boy, Samir is a great choice. It doesn't hurt that it became one of the most popular boys' names in the US in 2009.

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Ayaan
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Ayaan

The name Ayaan has strong origins among both Muslims and Hindus. In Arabic it means "gift of God"; in Hindi it translates to mean "good fortune." In 2011, Ayaan even made its way onto the list of the most popular boy names in the US, cementing its popularity forever.

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Prem
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Prem

Prem means "love" and "affection" in both Arabic and Sanskrit. The name has never been on any popularity lists in the US, but it's the perfect choice for affectionate parents.

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Tanay
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Tanay

Tanay is typically used for Hindu boys and bears the pretty literal meanings of "son" and "of the family." Tanay is perfect for parents who want a unique name that isn't very common.

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Sai
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Sai

Pronounced SAH-yee, Sai is actually used throughout both India and Pakistan. The boy name carries the softer meaning of "flower," making it a winning combination of being short and sweet.

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Aseem
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Aseem

Aseem simply translates to mean "unlimited" and "eternity" in Sanskrit. While it's often confused with the Arabic name Asim, the two have no relation. Aseem is a name that is rich in tradition and has an incredible meaning.

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