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105 Pretty Indian Girl Names: With Their Meanings

Updated
These Indian girl names for babies are as vibrant as an Indian celebration.

The vibrant culture that lives and breathes in Indian girl names is famous worldwide. India is known for its diverse culture, art, music, food, and more. Where do you start when searching thousands of names for the best choice for your little girl to enjoy?

Capture the colorful spirit of India with our useful guide to the best Indian female names on this side of the Ganges. From the traditional to the super unique, you’ll find out all you need to know about meaning, origin, pronunciation, and more. Keep reading for the loveliest of Indian names for girls below.


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105 Beautiful Indian Names for Girls

Check out these memorable Indian girl names for your little princess here.

Aadhya

Aadhya is another name for the Goddess Durga, the primary Mother Goddess in Hinduism. With this powerful background, Aadhya can represent the highest form of femininity in a unique way for your little girl to enjoy.

  • Origin: Hindi, Indian
  • Meaning: First creator, first power, the beginning
  • Pronunciation: AADH-y-aa
  • Variations: Aadhyasri
  • Namesakes: Aadhya Anand, an Indian child actress, and model. Aadhya Prasad, an Indian film actress.
  • Popularity: Aadhya peaked as a girls’ name in 2012 at #1766 worldwide.
Feminine, Regal

Aanya

Though of Hindi and Sanskrit origin, Aanya is also the Russian nickname of the Hebrew name Anna, from Hannah. Aanya is somewhat popular, but is not as common as Anna or Hannah. You can use this Indian version to add an international spirit to your little girl’s name.

  • Origin: Hindi, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Inexhaustibility, other/another person
  • Pronunciation: AAN-y-aa
  • Variations: Ania, Anya
  • Popularity: Aanya first appeared in 2007 and peaked at #989 in the U.S. in 2014, but is at #1587 currently.
Pretty, Classic

Aarna

Aarna is associated with the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who reigns over wealth, fortune, power, beauty, and prosperity. In addition to this sizable history, Aarna is unique and easy to pronounce. Your little goddess may do this divine name justice.

  • Origin: Hindi, Indian
  • Meaning: Goddess Lakshmi
  • Pronunciation: AAR-n-aa
  • Variations: Arna, Arnaa
  • Namesakes: Aarna Sharma, an Indian actress known for Te3n (2016), Meri Pyaari Bindu (2017), and Ek Boond Ishq (2013).
  • Popularity: In 2018, Aarna ranked #1,367 among the top girls’ names in the U.S.
Unique

Advika

Advika is a rare name whose meaning mirrors its rarity. The meaning of a “unique,” “matchless” girl, unable to be reproduced, speaks to a name that celebrates all that she is. Show the world how distinct your little girl is with this unmatched name.

  • Origin: Indian
  • Meaning: Unique, matchless
  • Pronunciation: UHD-vih-kaa
  • Variations: Adhveeka, Adhvika. Aadhvika
  • Namesakes: Advika Yadav, an Indian actress from Mumbai, known for Pyaar Impossible (2010).
  • Popularity: Between 1880 to 2018, Advika peaked in 2017 with only 80 babies given the name in the U.S.
Unusual

Aja

Aja has many meanings as varied as “high priestess of Mecca” in African, “love of Vishnu” in Swedish and “unborn” in Hindi. In Hindu mythology, Aja is a spirit of both the animals and the forest. Aja is short, sweet, and pretty enough to pack a punch in meaning for your little girl.

  • Origin: Indian, Hindi
  • Meaning: To drive, propel, goat
  • Pronunciation: EY-jhaa
  • Variations: Azha
  • Namesakes: Aja Brown, the mayor of Compton, California. Aja Volkman, an American singer, songwriter, and musician
  • Popularity: Aja is ranked among the top 5,000 most popular girls names in the U.S., with an estimated population of 2,786.
Pretty, Classic

Amaja

Amaya is also a well-known name of Spanish and Basque origin. Amaya goes back to Sanskrit/Indian for “night rain” and even means “close to God” in ancient Hebrew. Amaya will give the world to your girl, whether her raindrops fall in the North or South.

  • Origin: Sanskrit, Hebrew
  • Meaning: Night rain, close to God
  • Pronunciation: Aa-MAA-yaa
  • Variations: Amaia, Amayah, Ammaya, Amya
  • Namesakes: Amaya Forch, a Chilean actress, and pop singer. Amaya Alonso, a Spanish swimmer.
  • Popularity: Amaya made #398 in the most popular girls’ names in the U.S. in 1999, but hangs around #200, still making it somewhat popular.
Feminine

Anjali

Anjali refers to the greeting between Hindus, Buddhists, and others within India where the hands are folded together. This compelling association gives Anjali an even stronger boost with its pretty flow. Naming a little girl Anjali will give her the good energy she needs for an extraordinary life.

  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Divine offering
  • Pronunciation: AE-NJ-Haa-Liy
  • Variations: Angel, Angeli, Angelie, Angela
  • Namesakes: Anjali Joseph, a British-Indian author, journalist, and teacher. Anjali Pendharker, an Indian cricketer.
  • Popularity: While it was once in the top 1,000, Angali is currently ranked #12,000 among popular girls’ names in the U.S.
Pretty, Traditional

Anupa

Anupa is an interesting name that points to the idea of being “one of a kind.” Who wouldn’t want that association given to their little girl? Anupa is popular on the Indian subcontinent but would stand out if given in other, less familiar locales.

  • Origin: Sanskrit, Hindi
  • Meaning: One of a kind, pond
  • Pronunciation: aa-NUW-pae
  • Variations: Anoop, Anupam
  • Namesakes: Anupa Khemadasa, an Indian actress and composer. Anupa Das, an Indian chef, and TV personality.
  • Popularity: Less popular worldwide, Anupa is used 1 in every 30,000 girls, in addition to Nepal.
Unusual, Traditional

Beeja

Beeja is rarely found as a girls’ name worldwide, but a Vedic style of meditation called Beeja is growing in popularity in the UK. This makes sense since the many meanings of Beeja have to do with the elusive, perfect origin of the soul. Beeja is a spiritual way to welcome your little girl on the right path into the world.

  • Origin: Hindi, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: The beginning, happy, origin of soul
  • Pronunciation: BIY-EY-jhah
  • Variations: Bahija, Bahiyah, Bahyja, Bahyga
Traditional, Unique

Bhavna

Bhavna is a straightforward women’s name of Indian origin with a thoughtful meaning of “good feelings.” Bhavna is equally as simple to pronounce and would bring an air of the Hindu culture to the one you’re expecting.

  • Origin: Indian
  • Meaning: Good feelings, given by God
  • Pronunciation: BHAV-na
  • Variations: Bhavani, Bhavana, Bhavan
  • Namesakes: Karthika Menon (known by her stage name Bhavana), an Indian actress who appears in Malayalam films, including Kannada and Tamil films.
  • Popularity: Bhavna is currently ranked #433 among the most popular Indian girl names but rare elsewhere.
Traditional, Regal
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Bhuvaneswari

Bhuvaneswari is a rare name that blooms like the many petals of a flower. It is the name of the 4th of 10 Mahavidya goddesses in Hinduism. Bhuvaneswari carries the energy of the cosmos with her, so all those letters in the name are quite necessary to represent the most special little girl to you.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Goddess of Earth, goddess name, queen of the universe
  • Pronunciation: BHU-va-nes-waa-rey
  • Variations: Bhuva
  • Namesakes: Bhuvaneswari (Born Andhra Pradesh), an Indian model, film, and television actress known for her work in South Indian cinema.
Traditional, Rare

Binita

Binita is just as humble and modest a girls’ name as its meaning. Binita feels familiar and is simple to say, so this sweet and pretty Indian name may fit nicely with a little girl of the same attributes.

  • Origin: Indian, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Modest, humble
  • Pronunciation: Bihn-nit-ah
  • Variations: Baneet, Binata, Binit
  • Namesakes: Binita Toppo, an Indian hockey player. Binita Soren, the first Indian tribal woman to climb Mount Everest.
  • Popularity: Binita is currently ranked #1,942 among Indian female names, so it is considered somewhat popular in the region.
Pretty, Feminine

Brinda

Brinda also has a connection to Norse culture with the meaning of a “sword,” very different from the sacred basil plant in India. Whether your Brinda will love things of steel or greens from the earth, she’ll be all set to flourish with this Indian version of an ancient name.

  • Origin: Hindi, Indian
  • Meaning: Basil plant, sacred basil
  • Pronunciation: BRIHN-dah
  • Variations: Brenda, Branda
  • Namesakes: Brinda Parekh, an Indian film actress, and model who has appeared in South Indian films, including musicals in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films.
  • Popularity: Despite a drop in popularity in the U.S., Brinda is a popular girls’ name in India, with 1 in every 80,000 girls named Brinda.
Feminine

Chakrika

What Chakrika misses in popularity rankings and famous personalities, it makes up in its meaning. Referring to the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, Chakrika is a woman at the helm of the universe. Start your little one off right with this truly rare name that will drive her anywhere she wants to go.

  • Origin: Hindi, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess who has the divine wheel
  • Pronunciation: CHAK-reeka
  • Variations: Chakrikaa, Chakra, Chaka
Formal, Feminine

Chanchal

Chanchal best describes a restless and sometimes naughty child, which is why the name covers both boys and girls alike. There is a fun energy behind Chanchal, so don’t worry—your little Chanchal may just be ready to have way too much fun, which isn’t really a bad thing.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Playful, naughty
  • Pronunciation: CHAEN-Chahl
  • Namesakes: Suchinta Chowdhury Chanchal (known as Chanchal Chowdhury), a Bangladeshi actor who has received two Bangladesh National Film Awards for Best Actor and three Meril Prothom Alo Awards for Best Actor (male).
  • Popularity: Chanchal is currently ranked #747 among popular Indian names.
Unusual, Rare

Chandani

What more beautiful way could you honor the valued symbols of Hinduism than by naming your daughter Chandani. A gorgeous and uncommon Sanskrit name meaning everything poetic from a “river” to “moonlight” and a “star.” She can grow up to be all those things and more.

  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Moonlight, a river, star
  • Pronunciation: CHAEND-Ah-ney
  • Variations: Chandan, Chandana, Chandanika, Chandi
  • Popularity: Chandani has only been in the U.S. since 1991, ranking in the top 8,000 most popular girl’s names. Chandani remains popular in India and Sri Lanka where 1 in every 20,000 girls is named Chandani.
Traditional, Feminine

Chara

The playful Chara connotes a girl who is quiet and yet, frisky. Chara also means “joy” and “happiness” in Greek. Your Chara will be set up with a name that is simple to say, yet possesses a multitude of positivity and joy for all the world to see.

  • Origin: Hindi, Greek
  • Meaning: Quiet, frisky, joy, happiness
  • Pronunciation: CHEAH-rah
  • Variations: Charla, Charlot, Charlotte
  • Namesakes: Chara Dimitriou, a Greek football player. Chara M. Curtis, an American writer.
  • Popularity: Only 188 girls were named Chara between 1888 and 2019 worldwide.
Pretty

Chhaya

Chhaya is an unusual spelling for this girl’s name that refers to the goddess of shadows in Hinduism. Chhaya originates from the ancient Hebrew Chaim, meaning “life.” Chhaya can mean many things under the umbrella of life, so infuse what you cherish most into this unique Indian name for little girls.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Shadow
  • Pronunciation: CHAY-yah
  • Variations: Chhaayaa, Kaaya, Kaya
  • Namesakes: Chhaya Devi, an Indian actress. Chhaya Ghosh, the minister in the Indian state of West Bengal.
  • Popularity: Chhaya does not rank in the top 10,000 girls’ names in the U.S.
Unique

Daksha

In Hinduism, Daksha is one of the gods associated with creation. Daksha has a regal feel and reads like it too. In addition to bearing brilliance, Daksha also means “honest one,” which can help keep a little girl’s personality perfectly balanced.

  • Origin: Indian, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Brilliant, honest one, Shiva’s wife
  • Pronunciation: DUHK-shah
  • Variations: Dakshi, Dakshayani, Dakshakanya, Dakshata
  • Popularity: Daksha is an uncommon girl’s name, ranked well over 2,000 worldwide.
Unique, Regal

Darika

Though Darika means “maiden,” not many maidens have been named Darika in the U.S. or India. Darika has a varied sound to the name, easy to pronounce, and could make your little maiden a very special name that many others won’t share.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Maiden
  • Pronunciation: Daa-RIKH-aa
  • Variations: Dharika, Daruka, Darica
  • Popularity: Between 1900 and 2019, only 17 girls were named Darika worldwide, 11 of which were in Italy.
Pretty, Rare
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Darpita

Darpita is a mysterious Indian name that simply means “proud one.” It rings when pronounced relatively simply, yet Darpita keeps within her an obscure history that doesn’t come out to play. That will all change once your little Darpita gets going on the playground, and you can be proud of that.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Proud
  • Pronunciation: Dar-PEET-ah
  • Variations: Darpit, Darpa
Feminine, Pretty

Devaki

Devaki is not only a “little goddess” but also harkens back to Lord Kirsna’s mother. Devaki is more of a mythological entity than a commonly used name. This rare ode to mother and daughter makes Devaki a very special name for a little girl to carry with her.

  • Origin: Hindi, little goddess
  • Meaning: Black, little goddess
  • Pronunciation: Deh-VAEK-iy
  • Variations: Devika, Deviki
  • Namesakes: Tan Sri Devaki Ayathurai Krishnan, a Malaysian politician. Devaki Jain , an Indian economist, and writer in feminist economics.
Formal, Unique

Dhriti

Dhriti is a cool, unisex name that displays all the good things we want our children to become: courageous and patient. Dhriti refers to the Hindu goddess Durga, who reigned over courageousness, satisfaction, and joy. Dhriti reads like a diminutive but will work just as well for a grown woman as it does for the little girl she starts out as.

  • Origin: Hindi, Nepali, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: One who has courage and patience, courage, morale
  • Pronunciation: Drih-TIY
  • Variations: Dharati, Dhruti, Dharti
  • Namesakes: Dhriti Bhatia, an Indian actress. Dhrriti Saharan, an Indian actress and a singer from Mumbai.
  • Popularity: Dhriti ranked #4,244 in the U.S. in 2020.
Rare, Cool

Dhvani

Dhvani is such a rare name that it hasn’t even shown up in the U.S. database for names. Dhvani’s meaning makes it a unique choice when you want your little girl to embrace her voice and be proud of who she is.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Noise, sound
  • Pronunciation: D-VAHN-ay
  • Variations: Dhwani, Dwani
  • Namesakes: Dhvani Bhanushali, an Indian singer from Mumbai who received over 2 billion views on YouTube.
  • Popularity: Between 1980 and 2019, Dhvani was only given 10 times to girls worldwide, 9 of which were in the UK.
Unique, Feminine

Divya

If ever a name was divine, it is Divya. Divya is fairly popular in India, but not as an Indian-American name, so your extraordinary Divya will shine brightly with a beautiful historical meaning based in Hinduism.

  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Divine brilliance, extraordinary
  • Pronunciation: DIHV-yaa
  • Variations: Divyam
  • Namesakes: Divya Dwivedi, an Indian philosopher. Divya Palat, a Hindi film actress.
  • Popularity: Divya ranked #504 for girls’ names in India, but doesn’t hit the top 4,000 in the U.S. or elsewhere.
Cool

Divyathi

Divyathi is a more formal version of Divya, but its meaning focuses on “white.” There have only been a few incidences of Divyathi used in India, so if you’d like a rarely used version of this divine name, Divyathi will work perfectly.

  • Origin: Hindi, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: White
  • Pronunciation: DIHV-ya-thi
  • Variations: Deevitha, Devatha, Divitha
Traditional, Formal

Dwiti

Dwiti is an adorable name that is so rarely used worldwide, so you may be the first to use it in a while. Dwiti sounds like a perfect nickname. If Indian female names like Dwiti are used for your second child, all the better!

  • Origin: Hindi, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Dual, second
  • Variations: Dwity
  • Pronunciation: DWIH-tee
  • Popularity: Dwiti only has 400 global incidences as a girls’ name, making it extremely rare worldwide.
Pretty

Eeshani

Eeshani is a flowery option among our gorgeous Indian girl names that blooms brightly with its three syllables. Rooted in the Hindu persona of the “wife of Lord Shiva,” Eeshani is uncommon in the few countries it has appeared. This royal name can grace your little divine consort in a lovely way.

  • Origin: Hindi, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Wife of Lord Shiva, close to God
  • Pronunciation: EESH-anee
  • Variations: Eesha, Eshani
  • Namesakes: Eeshani Kandpal, an Indian Senior Economist in the Development Research Group of the World Bank.
  • Popularity: Eeshani is occasionally used in India, Sri Lanka, the U.S., and Canada, with uses in Sri Lanka making the top 11,000 girls’ names.
Feminine, Traditional

Ekaja

Ekaja has a very exotic feel to it and specifically means an “only child,” or “one who is born alone.” An Ekaja in your family would have this strong name all on her own, whether she is an only child or loaded with siblings.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Only child
  • Pronunciation: Aik-a-JAA
  • Variations: Agaja, Ekaj
  • Popularity: Ekaja has only been used 681 times in India and once in Ghana.
Rare

Ekiya

Ekiya is both a boy’s name and a girl’s name with a meaning that joins and combines the two. It is quite uncommon and would make a unique, modern choice for your sweet little bundle.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Unity, union, joined, combined
  • Pronunciation: Eh-KEEH-Ya
  • Variations: Akiya
  • Popularity: Ekiya is rare worldwide, occasionally used in India and other countries in South Asia and Africa.
Unique
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Ela

Ela, has a bevy of international history, including Aramaic, Norse, and more. Ela is relatively popular worldwide and is more often used in India. Ela is a pretty name with everything interesting behind it.

  • Origin: Hindi, Aramaic
  • Meaning: The earth, cardamom tree, oak
  • Pronunciation: EH-luh
  • Variations: Elah, Ella
  • Namesakes: Ela Gandhi, an Indian politician, and activist. Ela Lehotská, a Slovak actress.
  • Popularity: Ela falls within the top 2,000 girls’ names worldwide and ranks in the top 871 in India.
Pretty, Popular

Eshana

Eshana is a lyrical name that sounds like its fanciful meaning of “wish” or “desire.” Eshana is pretty easy to pronounce phonetically. Its sweet femininity would suit any little girl who has ever dared to daydream.

  • Origin: Hindi, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Wish, desire
  • Pronunciation: Eh-SHAANAH
  • Variations: Eshanah, Eshanea, Eshania, Eshanna, Eshannah.
  • Popularity: Eshana is mainly used in Sri Lanka, but isn’t even in the top 3,000 girls’ names.
Formal

Eshika

Eshika is a strong Hindi name that finds you at your core, whether it’s the sharpness of “an arrow” or the “bright eyes” of a girl named Eshika. Somewhat rare, Eshika feels complete and may just complete the little girl in your life.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: An arrow, dart, bright eyes
  • Pronunciation: Eh-SHEE-kah
  • Variations: Eishika, Ishika, Eshka, Echika
  • Namesakes: Eshika Fyzee, an Indian wildlife filmmaker, founder of Pangea Films, and a National Geographic Explorer.
  • Popularity: Eshika is the most common name in Bangladesh and India, ranked #6,700 in Bangladesh.
Vintage

Estaa

Estaa is a unique spelling of an already uncommon name. Many say Estaa is an Indian version of Esta, or Esther from the Persian for “star” or the Hebrew for “myrtle.” Estaa in this form means “beloved,” so if you like your Esta with an extra “a” at the end, then this Estaa is for you.

  • Origin: Hindi, Persian, Hebrew
  • Meaning: Beloved, star, myrtle
  • Pronunciation: ES-ta
  • Variations: Esther, Ester
Traditional, Vintage

Falak

Falak is an unusual, fascinating name with Arabic origins traditionally used in Muslim or Sihk families. The poignant meaning of Falak could make a powerful name for a unique little girl.

  • Origin: Hindi, Arabic
  • Meaning: Heaven, star
  • Pronunciation: FAHL-aak
  • Variations: Falaq
  • Popularity: Falak made the top 10,000 most common names globally. Falak is in the top 400 girls’ names in Pakistan and appears throughout South Asia and the Middle East.
Rare

Falguni

As well as meaning “beautiful,” Falguni indicates the day of the full moon in the Hindu month of Phaalgun, which occurs between February and March.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Beautiful
  • Pronunciation: FAHL-gunni
  • Variations: Falgun, Phaalgun, Phaalguni, Phalgun, Phalguni
  • Namesakes: Falguni Hamid, a Bangladeshi actress, playwright, director, and producer. Falguni Pathak, an Indian singer, performing artist, and composer based in Mumbai.
  • Popularity: Falguni ranked highest in India, with 6,300 girls’ names, while coming 2nd in Bangladesh and 3rd in the U.S. in the top 12,000 names.
Feminine, Unique

Farida

Farida is used in India with an Arabic background and is a version of Farrah with its roots in Turkey and Persia. Farida is super popular across the board and will be just as popular with your precious pearl.

  • Origin: Arabic
  • Meaning: Unique, precious pearl
  • Pronunciation: Faa-RIY-dah
  • Variations: Farrah, Feride, Farideh
  • Namesakes: Farida Nekzad, an Afghan journalist. Farida Jalal, an Indian actress.
  • Popularity: Farida is the 673rd most common name worldwide, belonging to 1 in 35 girls in Algeria and 1 in 1,000 girls in India.
Pretty, Popular

Forum

Forum is an offbeat name that resembles a Latin word more than an Indian moniker. Forum is super rare, yet you won’t find them almost anywhere you look. The lovely “fragrant” meaning of the name may be perfect for your sweet-smelling, individualistic little girl.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Fragrant
  • Pronunciation: FOHR-uhm
  • Popularity: Forum is a very rare name that has ranked #1 in India within the top 200,000 names.
Rare

Gayathri

The origin of the “song” or “hymn” meaning of Gayathri comes from a Hindu goddess who personified the Vedic hymns and melodies. The name is somewhat prevalent in India and Sri Lanka, but you can be assured your little girl will have a song unto herself with this rare and storied Indian name.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Song, hymn
  • Pronunciation: GAH-YA-three
  • Variations: Gayatri
  • Namesakes: Gayathri R. Suresh, an Indian film actress, model, and playback singer. “Kalaimamani” Gayathri Girish, an Indian Carnatic vocalist.
  • Popularity: Gayathri ranks in the top 2,400 girls’ names in India, with Sri Lanka in 2nd place with a denser population of 1 in 149 girls.
Rare, Traditional

Geetika

Geetika is growing in popularity by the day. Geetika not only means a “little song,” but adorably sounds like a little girl’s name that starts with G. Pretty and easy to say, Geetika might be the ideal name for your songbird to sing.

  • Origin: Sanskrit, Hindi
  • Meaning: Little song, small song
  • Pronunciation: JHIY-tih-kaa
  • Variations: Gitika, Jaitika, Jyotika
  • Namesakes: Geetika Jakhar, an Indian wrestler. Geetika Vidya Ohlyan, an Indian actress.
  • Popularity: Geetika is the most popular girl’s name in India, with the U.S. being in 2nd place with over 22,000 incidences of the name in 2014.
Pretty, Unique
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Gulika

Gulika is unused worldwide, offering a wonderful meaning of a “pearl,” or anything precious. Gulika sounds unique and could be the best new choice for a girl’s name today.

  • Origin: Hindi, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Pearl
  • Pronunciation: GUU-lih-Kaa
  • Variations: Gulka
  • Popularity: Gulika has less than 100 incidences worldwide, with Kazakhstan and India being the top two locations.
Unique

Hana

Hana is an exceptional and popular Indian name, also found in ancient Hebrew, Japanese, and Māori. Hana is the most simple spelling of this pretty, straightforward name that encompasses the little girl who gives you all the bliss and happiness you can take.

  • Origin: Arabic, Japanese, Hebrew
  • Meaning: Bliss, happiness, flower, grace
  • Pronunciation: HHAAN-aa
  • Variations: Hannah, Hanna
  • Namesakes: Hana Makhmalbaf, an Iranian filmmaker. Hana Sugisaki, a Japanese actress.
  • Popularity: Hana is in the top 1,000 most common names globally.
Popular, Feminine

Heena

Heena refers to mehndi, the art of temporary decoration on the hands (we best know as Henna). Heena is a simple, feminine name that your little one could own with gusto.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Mehndi, fragrance
  • Pronunciation: HEE-nah
  • Variations: Hena, Henna, Hina, Hinata, Hinah, Hinna
  • Namesakes: Heena Sidhu, an Indian sport shooter of pistols. Heena Parmar, an Indian actress, known for playing the role of Anarkali in Zee TV’s Jodha Akbar.
  • Popularity: Heena is in the top 3,000 names in India, but only in the top 15,000 names worldwide.
Feminine, Pretty

Hemal

Hemal sounds neither masculine nor feminine, making it a perfect unisex name. The golden meaning may draw you to it, since who doesn’t want to name a golden child, girl or boy?

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Gold
  • Variations: Hamal, Heemali, Hemala, Hemali, Himalay, Humaila
  • Namesakes: HAI-muhl
  • Popularity: Hemal doesn’t make the top 13,000 most popular names in India, but ranks #443 in Sri Lanka.
Rare

Hemangini

Hemangini has the mood and length of a surname but is very rare in the world today. The latest meaning of “golden-bodied” or “one with a golden body” gives this uncommon name an even more distinct background for a little girl to embody.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Golden-bodied
  • Pronunciation: HHIY-Maen-jhiy-nay
  • Variations: Hemangi, Himangini, Himanjay
  • Namesakes: Hemangini, an Indian actress known for Lal Salaam (2002), The Lady Dabang (2015) and Jwala Daku (2000).
  • Popularity: The very rare Hemangini is only ranked #17,000 in India, where it is most popular.
Regal, Vintage

Hiral

Hiral is unlike other Indian names, as it ends in a consonant and not an “i” or “a.” Hiral means “full of life, wealth, and luster” and would be successful when you’re looking for something different.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Bright, full of luster
  • Pronunciation: HIH-rael
  • Namesakes: Hiral Vyas Tipirneni, an Indian-American politician and physician who was the Democratic nominee for special election for Arizona’s 8th congressional district.
  • Popularity: Hiral ranked 2,000 among the most popular Indian names for girls but is rare worldwide.
Unique

Idika

Idika is one of many Indian girl names referring to the goddess Parvati, but here it also means the Earth, or even the perceived Earth. Feel free to give this deep and powerful meaning to the little girl you’re expecting on Earth any day now.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: The earth
  • Pronunciation: Ih-DIH-kaa
  • Variations: Idhika, Itakh, Itika
  • Popularity: Though Idika ranks within the top 4,700 most popular names in Nigeria, less than 2,500 girls bore this name worldwide in 2014.
Traditional, Pretty

Indira

Indira is another name for the Indian goddess Lakshmi, the wife of the Hindu god Vishnu. Indira is short yet feminine and easy to spell and pronounce. The popular Indira will bring a classic, spiritual Indian style to your little girl’s name.

  • Origin: Hindi, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Beauty, splendid
  • Pronunciation: Ihn-DEE-raa
  • Variations: Indra, Indearah, Indeera, Indeira, Indiera, Indirah, Indre, Indyra
  • Namesakes: Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, an Indian politician and the 3rd prime minister of India. Indira Sant, a Marathi poet from Maharashtra, India.
  • Popularity: Indira is the 2,448th most popular name globally and is ranked #560 in India.
Feminine, Popular

Iraja

Though quite rare outside of India, Iraja carries a thoughtful meaning of “born on the wind.” Iraja is a breezy name that will ensure your little one’s life is as unique as her name.

  • Origin: Indian, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Born of the wind
  • Pronunciation: IY-Raj-jhah
  • Popularity: Iraja is mainly popular in India, where over 22,000 girls were named Iraja in 2014.
Feminine, Unique

Ishani

Ishani’s meaning of “ruling goddess” refers to the wife of the Hindu God Shiva, called the Goddess Parvati. This divinely royal name is full of life and will infuse tremendous energy into the little girl who bears the name.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: The ruling goddess
  • Pronunciation: IH-shah-nee
  • Variations: Ishana
  • Namesakes: Ishani Senanayake, a Sri Lankan swimmer. Ishani Shrestha, a Nepalese beauty pageant titleholder, crowned Miss Nepal World 2013.
  • Popularity: Though Ishani ranked #246 in Sri Lanka, it doesn’t hit the top 35,000 popular names worldwide.
Feminine, Regal
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Januja

Januja can be tricky to pronounce, but this fascinating name could be what you’re looking for in your new, beloved daughter.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Daughter
  • Pronunciation: JAH-nuu-jaa
  • Popularity: In 2014, only 79 incidences of Januja were recorded in India and the UK.
Rare, Cool

Jasmit

Jasmit is a rare form of the recognizable Jasmine or Jasmin. Despite being relatively uncommon worldwide, Jasmit could be famous for its “famed” meaning. Make Jasmit famous again by bringing it to your little one.

  • Origin: Indian, Sikh
  • Meaning: Famed
  • Pronunciation: Jhaez-MIHT
  • Variations: Jasmin, Jasmine, Yasmin
  • Popularity: Jasmit ranked in India’s top 60,000 most popular names, with incidences in the top 11,000 placed #2 in England.
Traditional, Unique

Jeevika

Jeevika is an unusual rearrangement of a familiar-sounding name. It is very uncommon, yet bears the all-important meaning of “everlasting life” and the “source of life,” water. You may enjoy giving this elemental moniker to your little one.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Water, source of life, to live forever
  • Pronunciation: G-vick-aah
  • Variations: Jaivik, Jivika
  • Namesakes: Jeevika Verma, an Indo-American poet and journalist for NPR, and the youngest presidential inaugural poet.
  • Popularity: Only 178 girls were named Jeevika worldwide in 2014 and has fluctuated since, mostly occurring in India and the United Arab Emirates.
Feminine, Traditional

Jhalak

Jhalak is an utterly cool, likely unheard-of name that feels like no surname is necessary. Jhalak refers back to that creative life force (i.e., spark) that sets a little girl off on her life journey with passion and energy.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Glimpse, spark, sudden motion
  • Pronunciation: JUH-luhk
  • Variations: Jailekha
  • Namesakes: Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, an Indian reality TV personality, who appears on the Indian version of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars.
  • Popularity: While very rare worldwide, Jhalak ranked in the top 700 most popular names in Nepal.
Cool, Unique

Jiera

Jiera is much more uncommon than Kiera, but sounds quite similar. Jiera represents not only “life,” but refers to a “beautiful one.” Can you think of why you wouldn’t want to give this extra-special name to your beautiful girl?

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Beautiful one, life
  • Pronunciation: JHIH-rah
  • Variations: Jierah, Jierra, Jyera, Jyerah, Jyerra
  • Popularity: The very rare Jiera has mild popularity in India and The Philippines.
Feminine, Unique

Kashvi

Kashvi is not only a “shining star” but refers to the Hindi goddess of Luck. A Kashvi will shine like the stars it references and will stay as bright and cheerful a choice for your little shining girl.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: A shining star, bright, glowing
  • Pronunciation: KAASH-viy
  • Variations: Kashvea, Kashvee, Kashvey, Kashvie, Kashvy
  • Popularity: Kashvi is extremely rare, with the most occurrences (104) in India and Thailand.
Vintage, Traditional

Kalki

Kalki harkens back to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and, like many unique Indian names for girls, has a focused meaning (white horse) that you can apply to your own little girl in a personal way.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: White horse
  • Pronunciation: KAEL-kiy
  • Variations: Kalkin
  • Namesakes: Kalki Koechlin, an Indian-born French actress and writer who works in Hindi films.
  • Popularity: The very rare Kalki occurs within the top 2,500 most popular names in Chad followed by India (barely the top 100,000th).
Unique

Kavya

In addition to the beautiful meaning of “poem” in Hindu culture, Kavya is also a Gaelic name that came from the surname derived from the very long surname MacAmhalghaidh. This universal name for girls will help write the poem of your little girl’s life beautifully.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Poem
  • Pronunciation: KAHV-yah
  • Variations: Kavi, Kaviya, and Khaivya
  • Namesakes: Kavya Madhavan, an Indian actress who appears in Malayalam films.
  • Popularity: Kavya ranked in the top 4,162 most popular names in India, with notable appearances in Sri Lanka, the U.S., and The United Arab Emirates.
Feminine, Cool

Krisha

Krisha is closer to saying Krishna, or the Sanskrit word for the all-attractive incarnation of a god. Krisha also points to divinity. You’ve got all the divine bases covered with this uncommon, but pretty name.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Divine, like a god
  • Pronunciation: Krih-SHAH
  • Variations: Kreesha
  • Namesakes: Krisha Fairchild, an American actress who appeared in Syfy’s horror anthology series Channel Zero: Butcher’s Block.
  • Popularity: Krisha ranks just outside the top 4,000th most popular names in The Philippines but is otherwise rare worldwide.
Pretty, Traditional

Laasya

The flowing nature of Laasya (with three syllables, not two) is as gorgeous an Indian name as a traditional dance, which happens to be its meaning. Whatever type of dance your little girl gets into, she’ll do it beautifully as a Laasya.

  • Origin: Indian
  • Meaning: Dance
  • Pronunciation: Laa-SYAH
  • Variations: Laasyah, Lasya, Lasyah
  • Popularity: Only 160 girls worldwide were called Laasya in 2014.
Pretty, Traditional
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Lalika

Lalika is the name for lovely in all its forms. Lalika is relatively rare outside of India and indicates a beautiful, “slender, graceful woman” that could arise from the little girl you love so dearly.

  • Origin: Sanskrit, Hindi
  • Meaning: A slender, graceful woman, pretty woman
  • Pronunciation: LAH-Lih-Kaa
  • Variations: Lalica, Lalicka, Lalikah, Lalyca, Lalycka, Lalyka
  • Popularity: India has the most instances of Lalika (only 424 in 2014).
Feminine, Pretty

Lekha

The meaning of Lekha not only indicates “writing” or pictures but the memories that are preserved through both. This nostalgic and creative name even encompasses the word aura. Lekha will offer your little girl plenty to work with, that’s for sure!

  • Origin: Hindi, Jain
  • Meaning: Writings, picture
  • Pronunciation: LEH-kuh
  • Variations: Laaiqah, Laiqa, Laiqah, Lekhya, Lekya
  • Namesakes: Lekha Washington, an Indian actress, artist, and product designer in Tamil and Telugu language films.
  • Popularity: While Lekha is the most popular in India, it ranks #387 in Nepal.
Unique

Leya

While Leya has a Spanish meaning of “loyalty to the law,” the Indian Leya is a unique spelling of a common name, Leah or Leia. The Indian Leya is as simple and pretty as other forms, while the “lion” meaning will help catapult your little lioness anywhere she wants to go.

  • Origin: Hindi, Spanish
  • Meaning: Lion, the law
  • Pronunciation: LEY-aa
  • Variations: Lea, Leah, Leia, Leyah, Leyla
  • Namesakes: Leya Evelyn, a Canadian artist known for her abstract photographic art.
  • Popularity: Though uncommon worldwide, Leya appears the most in DR Congo, Zambia, and Uganda.
Pretty, Traditional

Lipika

Lipika is a quirky Indian female name with a specific meaning surrounding letters, the alphabet, and the personified scribe in Sanskrit. Whether your little girl turns out to be a writer or not, Lipika is a lovely ode to the written word.

  • Origin: Indian, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Short letter, alphabet, scribe
  • Pronunciation: LIH-pih-kah
  • Variations: Leepika
  • Popularity: Lipika is ranked under 1 in 3,000 most popular names in India and Bangladesh but is extremely rare worldwide.
Unique

Mausami

Mausami is an unusual, feminine name that refers to all things seasonal. It doesn’t appear very often, so if you want to honor winter, spring, summer, or fall in your little girl’s name, Mausami will make sure of it.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Seasonal
  • Pronunciation: MAU-sa-mi
  • Variations: Masma, Masumah, Masumi, Mausumi, Mousami
  • Namesakes: Mausami Gurung, a popular Nepali singer and songwriter who has also done playback singing for over 14 Indian movies, including Itihas, Jwalamukhi, and Paley Dai.
  • Popularity: Mausami is very rare, even in the top two countries it appears in (India and Nepal).
Feminine, Traditional

Mayra

Mayra is an Indian variation of the Hispanic name Myra, but the worldwide popularity is pretty common even with this specific spelling. The beloved Mayra is a very sweet way to celebrate your little one, right.

  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Beloved
  • Pronunciation: MAYH-ee-ruh
  • Variations: Myra, Mahra, Myrah
  • Namesakes: Mayra Hermosillo, a Mexican actress known for the Narcos: Mexico TV series. Mayra Verónica Aruca Rodríguez, an American singer, model, actress, and TV personality known for appearing on Spanish-language television.
  • Popularity: Mayra is ranked within the top 1,700 most popular names worldwide but has the most usage in Mexico and Ecuador.
Feminine, Popular

Meera

Meera has a storied history surrounding Meera Ba, a Hindu mystical poet and 15th-century Indian princess whose poems were devoted to the Indian god Krishna. With such a beautiful origin and mild popularity in India, Meera is a thoughtful choice for a little girl.

  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Prosperous
  • Pronunciation: MIY-Raa
  • Variations: Meira, Mira, Mirah
  • Namesakes: Mother Meera, born Kamala Reddy, an Indian religious leader, believed by her devotees to embody the Divine Mother (Shakti or Devi). Irtiza Rubab (known by her stage name Meera), a Pakistani film actress and television presenter.
  • Popularity: Meera ranks in the top 2,613 most popular names globally, with a higher count in India and Trinidad & Tobago.
Pretty

Mihika

Mihika has all the sound and meaning of the elements of nature, including mist, fog, and the drops of dew that appear on flower petals. This poetic name is super-rare and feels as special as a Sanskrit sketch of a flower on a summer day.

  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Mist, fog, dew drops
  • Pronunciation: Miy-HHIY-kaa
  • Variations: Meehika, Mehak, Mehek
  • Namesakes: Mihika Varma, an Indian television actress and former model who won the Miss India International title in 2004.
  • Popularity: Mihika only appeared 379 times worldwide in 2014.
Pretty, Vintage

Nayanthara

Nayanthara is a formal-seeming name of Hindi origin that refers to the twinkle in your eye. When that twinkle becomes your little girl, it could be time to resurrect the rare Nayanthara to honor her.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Twinkling star in the eye
  • Pronunciation: NAYAN-thara
  • Namesakes: Nayanthara (born Diana Mariam Kurian), an Indian actress who mostly appears in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema. Nayanthara Chakravarthy (or Baby Nayanthara) an Indian film actress in the South Indian Film Industry.
  • Popularity: Nayanthara is a rare Indian girl’s name, ranked in the top 9,000, with rare usage in the U.S. and UK.
Unique, Formal
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Neerja

Neerja is an attractive name that sounds like it looks, referring to the spiritual “lotus flower.” Despite occasional use in India and the U.S., Neerja would be a rare flower to denote the little girl you love.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Lotus flower
  • Pronunciation: NIHR-jah
  • Variations: Neeraja, Niraja, Nirja, Neeja
  • Namesakes: Neerja Bhanot, an Indian head purser who died saving passengers on Pan Am Flight 73, when hijacked by terrorists in Karachi, Pakistan, in September 1986.
  • Popularity: In 2014, less than 3,500 girls worldwide were named Neerja, mainly in India and the U.S.
Feminine, Traditional

Nitara

Nitara is a pleasing Indian name with deep roots. Nitara could become a treasured family name and is rare enough it may belong to your new bundle of joy.

  • Origin: Indian, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Having deep roots
  • Pronunciation: Niy-TAA-raa
  • Variations: Nitarah, Nitarra, Nitarrah, Nytara, Nytarra
  • Namesakes: Nitara Khorana, an Indian actress best known for the Violet film in 2015.
  • Popularity: Only 186 girls worldwide were named Nitara in 2014.
Unique, Feminine

Nyra

Nyra is a simple Sanskrit name that refers back to the beauty and light of the goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. Nyra is short and sweet, yet full of beauty itself for any little girl to take on.

  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Beauty of Saraswati
  • Pronunciation: NIY-rah
  • Variations: Naira, Nayra. Narah
  • Popularity: Nyra was only given to 1,190 girls in 2014 worldwide, with the most usage in the U.S.(less than 500 times).
Pretty, Traditional

Oishi

Oishi is a Hindi name that also has Japanese roots, which explains its Japanese flow. Oishi has various meanings, so whether “divine,” a “large rock,” or a “rose,” your trendy Oishi will have a rare name all on her own.

  • Origin: Hindi, Japanese
  • Meaning: Divine, rose, large rock
  • Pronunciation: OIY-shi
  • Variations: Oishani
  • Popularity: Though extremely rare, Oishi is used more frequently in Bangladesh.
Unique, Vintage

Oorvi

The enchanting yet unusual Oorvi was originally intended for those who were born under the birth star Krithika. Oorvi is not generally found when searching name databases, so should you want your earthy little girl to stand apart, Oorvi may be the one to choose.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Earth, meaningful, attractive
  • Pronunciation: OOR-vee
Unique

Pihu

Pihu is an unusual Indian name for girls, both in its meaning that shares greatness, pea-hen, and a sweet sound with its Asian-feel. Pihu crosses over into the cool category, so if you’re ready for a Pihu in your life, she’s ready too.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Great, sweet sound, pea-hen
  • Pronunciation: PIH-huu
  • Variations: Peehu, Pihoo
  • Namesakes: Myra Vishwakarma (nicknamed Pihu), an Indian child actress best known for the Pihu film about her life, which won her two awards at the Trans-Saharan International Film Festival.
  • Popularity: Pihu is a very rare name worldwide, but has the most instances in China and India.
Unique, Cool

Prisha

Prisha is a delightful Desi name, somewhat popular worldwide. Prisha is easy to pronounce and would work easily as a little girl’s name who was your #1 gift.

  • Origin: Sanskrit, Arabic
  • Meaning: One who is a gift, loving
  • Pronunciation: PRIH-shah
  • Variations: Priyesh, Presha, Preisha, Prishaa
  • Popularity: Prisha ranked #1332 on the top U.S. baby name charts in 2020, and peaked in 2017 (still only in the top 1,200).
Traditional, Feminine

Priya

In Hindu texts, Priya may refer to a lover or wife. In Hindu mythology, Priya is also the daughter of Daksha, the creator god. The loved, creative vibes around this pretty, somewhat popular name could fit your little girl like a glove.

  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Beloved
  • Pronunciation: PRIH-yaa
  • Variations: Pria, Priyal, Priyam, Priyanka, Priyasha, Priyata, Pryati
  • Namesakes: Priya A.S., an Indian writer of Malayalam literature. Priya Cooper, an Australian swimmer.
  • Popularity: In 2014, Priya ranked just over the top 2,000 most popular names worldwide, with the most use in India, and the highest in Fiji at #54.
Popular, Pretty

Qiyara

Qiyara has many variations, especially ones more popular that start with “K.” This truly unique name has almost no occurrences worldwide and would let the world know how pretty your little girl is to you.

  • Origin: Indian
  • Meaning: Very pretty
  • Pronunciation: KEE-Ahr-ah
  • Variations: Kiyara, Qiara, Qyara, Kyara, Keyara
Feminine, Unique

Rabhya

Rabhya is so rare that you could have created this beautiful Indian name out of thin air. Its poignant meaning of being “worshiped or celebrated” is reason enough to use this lovely name to celebrate your little girl.

  • Origin: Sanskrit, Hindi, Indian
  • Meaning: Worshiped, celebrated
  • Pronunciation: RAABH-yaa
  • Variations: Rabiyah
  • Popularity: The extremely rare Rabhya occurred only 34 times worldwide in 2014.
Traditional
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Ridhi

Ridhi is a rare gem that is simple to say, referring to the expanse of a “realm” or the limits of such a realm. Ridhi is extremely rare, so take advantage of giving this expanseless name a try.

  • Origin: Indian
  • Meaning: Realm, limit
  • Pronunciation: RIDT-hee
  • Variations: Riddhi, Ridha
  • Namesakes: Ridhi Dogra, an Indian web and television actress known for the Indian web series Asur.
  • Popularity: Ridhi doesn’t fall within the top 7,000 most popular girls names and occurred in the U.S. just 15 times in 2020.
Unique, Vintage

Roja

Roja is the Spanish word for “red,” and its Hindi meaning also mirrors this idea. Roja even means “morning star” in Persian, so you can take your pick as to the origin of Roja you prefer.

  • Origin: Hindi, Persian
  • Meaning: Red, morning star
  • Pronunciation: ROW-jhah
  • Variations: Rojay, Rojah
  • Namesakes: Roja Selvamani, an Indian politician and film actress. Roja Ramani (or Chembarathi Shobana), a South Indian movie actress in Telugu cinema.
  • Popularity: About 1 in 40,000 girls worldwide are named Roja, appearing mostly in India and Nepal.
Pretty, Popular

Roohi

Roohi carries a certain whimsy feel, finding itself in a slightly popular place in India and parts of the Middle East. Roohi is super easy to pronounce and has the loftiest meanings of a beloved soul that is ascending.

  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Ascending, of higher value and soul, spiritual, beloved
  • Pronunciation: ROO-hee
  • Variations: Roohee, Ruhie, Roohie
  • Namesakes: Roohi Berde, an Indian actress in Hindi cinema, best known for her role in Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1973).
  • Popularity: Almost 13,000 girls were named Roohi in 2014 worldwide, with the most occurring in India and Iran.
Feminine, Vintage

Saanvi

It is thought that Saanvi was created by combining the Goddess Lakshmi and the concept of being connected to or following her. Whether your little girl is to be named after the goddess or as a follower, she’ll do well with this traditional and unique name like no other.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Goddess Lakshmi
  • Pronunciation: SAHN-vee
  • Variations: Saanvi, Shanvi, Shaanvi
  • Namesakes: Saanvi Talwar, an Indian television actor who studied at Stella Adler Studio of Acting in the U.S. and has written TV series like Fear Files on Zee TV.
  • Popularity: Saanvi is extremely rare worldwide, not even making the top 700,000 first names, while the few instances mainly occur in India and Pakistan.
Traditional, Pretty

Sagara

The vast ocean that hides within the meaning of Sagara can also be used as a boy’s name. Sagara is mildly popular in India, but not so in the rest of the world. Sagara has associations with the sea in general and can bring the magic of the open ocean to your little girl.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Ocean
  • Pronunciation: SAA-Gaa-raa
  • Variations: Sagarah, Sagarra, Saggara, Saggarra
  • Popularity: 1 in 10,000 girls in India were named Sagara in 2014.
Feminine, Unique

Saira

Saira turns out to be an even more feminine Indian version of the classic Hebrew name Sarah, which also means “princess.” This still uncommon name could be a wonderful opportunity to take a well-known name from antiquity and give it a Hindu spin.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: A bird, princess
  • Pronunciation: SIGH-ra
  • Variations: Sairah, Sairi, Sairra, Sayra
  • Namesakes: Saira Khan, an English reality television personality. Saira Blair, a former American politician and the youngest person elected in 2014 to State or federal office in the U.S.
  • Popularity: Saira ranks within the top 2,800 most popular names worldwide since 2014, with the most Sairas in Pakistan.
Feminine, Regal

Sashi

Sashi is a variation of Sasha and means “defending warrior,” which is quite different from its other meaning, “moon.” The romantic Sashi of the moon has all the elusive femininity of the lunar symbol and would add mystery and allure to the spirit of any daughter.

  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Moon
  • Pronunciation: SAE-shiy
  • Variations: Shashi. Sasha, Saashi
  • Namesakes: Sashi Rawal, a Nepali pop singer known for the song Chahana Sakiyo Bahana Sakiyo from her first album Entrance in 2007.
  • Popularity: Sashi is extraordinarily rare, but does have a high density in Sri Lanka and Fiji.
Pretty, Traditional

Shaana

Shaana is a particularly Indian spelling of a name that has appeared in many cultures. You might have seen the name Shauna more so than this Shaana. Shaana can be peaceful and beautiful, just like the little girl you love best.

  • Origin: Indian, Hindi
  • Meaning: Peaceful, beautiful
  • Pronunciation: SHAAH-na
  • Variations: Shawna, Shaunna, Shauna
  • Namesakes: Shaana Diya, an Indian Bollywood actress known for her film Namastey London in 2007.
  • Popularity: In 2014, 332 people were named Shaana worldwide, 129 of which were in the U.S.
Rare, Vintage

Shravya

Shravya is an unusual name that connects all things musical and melody-themed. Your little girl will enjoy this sing-song Indian name all to herself due to its rarity across the world.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Musical tone, melodious
  • Pronunciation: SHRAAV-yaa
  • Namesakes: Shravya, an Indian film actress appearing in Telugu and Tamil language films.
  • Popularity: Shravya is extremely rare worldwide but has the most occurrences in India and Kuwait.
Rare

Shyla

Shyla is slightly different from the familiar-sounding Sheila. Shyla is short and lovely for any girl who has the power of a goddess with her.

  • Origin: Sanskrit, English
  • Meaning: Goddess Parvathi, white dove
  • Pronunciation: SHAY-laa
  • Variations: Shilah
  • Popularity: Shyla ranked within the top 10,000 most popular names in India and the top 6,000 names in the U.S. in 2014.
Pretty, Unique
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Sita

The Hindi version of the very popular Sita arose from a connection to the goddess of agriculture and fruits. How earthy and informal a name for a little girl who loves getting dirty when she plays in nature.

  • Origin: Hindi, Spanish
  • Meaning: Furrow, Rose
  • Pronunciation: SEE-tah
  • Variations: Zita, Sitha, Sitah
  • Namesakes: Sita Maria Vermeulen (known as Sita), a Dutch pop singer, actress, and TV personality. Sita Chan, a Hong Kong Cantopop singer and actress.
  • Popularity: Sita has maintained its ranking of the 325th most popular name worldwide since 2014.
Pretty, Popular

Tamanna

Tamanna feels like an amalgamation of other familiar girls’ names and enjoys some popularity worldwide. Tamanna’s great wish is a powerful meaning that you can offer the new daughter you wished the most for.

  • Origin: Hindi, Urdu
  • Meaning: Desire, wish
  • Pronunciation: Taa-MAE-naa
  • Variations: Tamannah, Tamannaa, Tamanaah
  • Namesakes: Tamanna Bhatia (known professionally as Tamannaah), an Indian actress in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films.
  • Popularity: Tamanna ranked the 2,405th most popular name worldwide in 2014, with the most use in Bangladesh and India, respectively.
Feminine, Popular

Tamia

Tamia is an Indian name that may feel very familiar to you since it’s a slightly different variation of Tammy or Tami. If going with the Indian meaning of “thunder,” your Tamia will leave her mark in life with the strength of a thunderstorm.

  • Origin: Hindi, Hebrew
  • Meaning: Thunder, date palm, palm tree
  • Pronunciation: TAHM-eye-ah
  • Variations: Taimi, Tami, Tammia
  • Namesakes: Tamia Marilyn Washington Hill, a Canadian singer, songwriter, producer, and actress whose self-titled debut album released in 1998, followed by a series of albums with Elektra Records,
  • Popularity: Tamia is very rare worldwide and ranked as the 1,479th most popular girl’s name in the U.S. in 2018.
Pretty, Unique

Tanaia

Tanaia is an offshoot of the recognizable Tanya or Tania and yet are rare names globally. You can enjoy this extra girly version for your little Tanaia who deserves one more “a” in her name.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Daughter
  • Pronunciation: Ta-NAY-ya
  • Variations: Tanaya, Tahnia, Tanja
  • Popularity: Between 1980 and 2019, there were only 4 births of Tanaia in Canada.
Feminine, Formal

Tulsi

The holy basil plant is sacred in Hinduism, used to honor Vishnu and the goddess Tulsi. Tulsi has an apparent natural and divine connection to Hindi culture. Tulsi is cute and spiritual, so enjoy the special Tulsi for your little one.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Basil
  • Pronunciation: TUWL-siy
  • Variations: Tulsie, Tulsy, Tulsey, Tulsee
  • Namesakes: Maharani Tulsi Bai Holkar, an Indian queen of Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar. Tulsi Gabbard, an American politician.
  • Popularity: Tulsi is extremely rare worldwide, but is used in the highest density in India and Nepal.
Pretty, Rare

Turvi

Turvi is beyond the rarest of the rare with a gorgeous meaning of “superior” or “victorious.” Turvi doesn’t have an association, so your little girl can create her own version of what Turvi means to her.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Superior, victorious
  • Pronunciation: TUUR-vee
  • Variations: Turviti
Unique

Vaanya

Forests are magical places, so you might want to take advantage of Vaanya, with an extra “a” for good measure. The Hindi deity of forests is a worthwhile origin story for your little goddess of the woods to enjoy.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Deity of forests, God’s gift, God is gracious
  • Pronunciation: VAAN-yaa
  • Variations: Vana, Vania, Vanie, Vann, Vanya
  • Popularity: Vaanya ranks in the U.S. at #1,372 for girls’ names, yet is quite rare in India and worldwide.
Feminine, Traditional

Vanani

Vanani is a very rare name for girls, yet it represents such a universal theme: the forest. This organic Indian name will adorn your little girl with a shroud of green trees and the night sky.

  • Origin: Hindi, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Forest
  • Pronunciation: Vuh-NAA-nee
  • Variations: Vanan, Vanini
Feminine, Unique

Vanita

Vanita has some decent popularity in India and the nearby region for a good reason. Vanita means “woman” in the Hindi culture. When your Vanita grows up to be a woman, she’ll have learned all the ropes from this delightful name.

  • Origin: Hindi
  • Meaning: Woman
  • Pronunciation: Vaa-NIY-Taa
  • Variations: Vanessa, Vinita, Vannita
  • Namesakes: Vanita Gupta, the United States Associate Attorney General since April 2021. Vanita Kayiwa, a Ugandan airline transport pilot, who serves as the first officer at Uganda National Airlines Company.
  • Popularity: Vanita was the world’s 3,494th most popular name worldwide in 2014, with the highest use in India and Guyana.
Pretty, Popular

Vedika

Vedika feels elusive, like the unnamed consciousness that its meaning points to. Vedika is so rare that the coolness factor would appear when your little girl takes on the name.

  • Origin: Hindi, Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Consciousness, altar, name of a river in India
  • Pronunciation: Vah-DIY-kaa
  • Namesakes: Vedika Khemani, an Indian-American physicist and Assistant Professor at Stanford University, who researched many-body systems and condensed matter physics.
  • Popularity: Vedika is a very rare name worldwide, with an overwhelming usage centered in India.
Cool, Formal
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Yanisha

Yanisha is a flowery choice among our Indian girl names, with all the femininity that comes with it. The subtle meaning of having high hopes might mirror the hopes you have for your little girl.

  • Origin: Indian
  • Meaning: One with high hopes
  • Pronunciation: YAA-neesh-ah
  • Variations: Yaneasha, Yaneashah, Yaneesha, Yaniesha, Yanishah, Yanysha
  • Popularity: Yanisha doesn’t rank in the top 10,000 girls’ names worldwide, while it’s used slightly more in the U.S. than in India.
Feminine, Unique

Yashika

Yashika is super rare, and if you’re not in India or Mauritius, chances are there are no girls named Yashika around you. Yashika offers positive vibes, which may suit your bundle of happiness perfectly!

  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Meaning: Successful, brave, intelligent lady
  • Pronunciation: YAH-Shika
  • Variations: Yaashika, Yashica
  • Namesakes: Yashika Aannand, an Indian actress, model, and television personality, who works predominantly in Tamil films.
  • Popularity: In 2014, less than 6,000 people worldwide were named Yashika, with the most occurrences in India and Mauritius.
Rare

Zara

Via is the ancient Hebrew and Arabic origins of Zara, believed to originate from the name Sarah. This offbeat version of a classic name will bring the best lofty spiritual ideas of old to the newest little girl around.

  • Origin: Hindi, Arabic
  • Meaning: Radiance, dawn, blooming flower
  • Pronunciation: ZAHR-aah
  • Variations: Zahrah, Zahra, Zaara
  • Namesakes: Zara Anne Elizabeth Tindall MBE OLY, a British equestrian, Olympian, and daughter of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips. Zara Sheikh, a Pakistani model, and actress, starring in Tere Pyar Mein (2000), Salakhain (2004), and Laaj (2003).
  • Popularity: Zara was the 2,576th most popular name worldwide in 2014, with the most incidences in Chad and Niger.
Pretty, Popular

Zoya

Zoya is a short, lovely name arising from many different cultures, which explains why it’s popular in Russia and Armenia. Zoya is a unique version of the more popular Zoe and feels as if it carries all the life force within its pretty name.

  • Origin: Indian, Arabic, Greek
  • Meaning: Light, radiance, alive, life
  • Pronunciation: ZOW-yaa
  • Variations: Zoeya, Zoe
  • Namesakes: Zoya Yurievna Buryak, a Soviet Russian film and stage actress. Zoya Akhtar, an Indian film director and screenwriter in Hindi cinema.
  • Popularity: Zoya ranked #327 for girls’ names in the U.S. in 2022 and mostly sat within the top 7,000 in the world.
Pretty

Zulika

Zulika has origins in Hindi and Persian culture, but both are very complementary to the girl or woman named Zulika. Names that begin with “Z” are super cool, and how could you resist one that is everything beautiful, smart, and brilliant all at the same time?

  • Origin: Persian, Hindi
  • Meaning: Brilliant beauty, intelligent, pretty
  • Pronunciation: ZU-lih-kah
  • Variations: Zuleikha, Zuleyka, Zuleica, Zuleykha
  • Popularity: In 2014, Zulika was recorded 595 times worldwide.
Feminine, Unique
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About the Author

Maryana Vestic

Maryana Vestic is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and food photographer with a background in entertainment Business Affairs. She studied film at NYU, Irish Theatre Studies at Trinity College Dublin, and has an MFA in Creative Writing Nonfiction from The New School. She loves cooking, baking, hiking, and horror films, as well as running a local baking business in Brooklyn with her boyfriend.
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