10 Indian baby names inspired by flowers and blossoms

Introduction

Flower names have long been part of Hindu naming practices. They evoke beauty, fragrance and symbolic virtues found in scriptures, temples and household worship. This list offers ten Indian baby names inspired by flowers and blossoms, with meanings, pronunciation tips and notes on their religious or cultural associations. I’ve kept explanations neutral and respectful to different traditions — Śaiva, Vaiṣṇava, Śākta and Smārta communities may emphasize different symbolisms, and local usage varies widely.

Flowers and spiritual meaning (brief)

In Hindu thought, flowers are often offered (pushpa — flower), worn, or pictured with deities. The padma (lotus) suggests purity and spiritual birth; tulsi (holy basil) is sacred to Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa and used in household rites; the vilva (bael) tree and its leaves are associated with Śiva. These associations appear across Puranas, temple practice and devotional poetry, but interpretations differ by region and sect.

10 flower-inspired names

Padma (पद्म)

• Meaning: lotus.
• Pronunciation: PAD-ma.
• Gender: traditionally feminine, used unisex in modern usage.
• Spiritual note: The lotus is a major symbol in Hindu texts: Lakshmi is often shown seated on a lotus, and Brahmā is said to emerge from a lotus that springs from Viṣṇu’s navel. The lotus evokes detachment and purity (unchanged by mud despite growing in it).
• Variations/nicknames: Padmā, Padmi, Padi.

Kamala (कमल)

• Meaning: lotus, also “lotus-eyed” or “lotus-like.”
• Pronunciation: KAH-ma-la.
• Gender: feminine.
• Spiritual note: Sanskrit synonyms such as kamala and padma appear in devotional poetry and scripture. In some contexts Kamala is a name of Lakshmi.
• Variations/nicknames: Kam, Kamli.

Mallika (मल्लिका)

• Meaning: jasmine or a fragrant white blossom.
• Pronunciation: MAH-lee-ka.
• Gender: feminine.
• Spiritual note: Jasmine is widely used for garlands and temple adornment; it appears in classical Sanskrit and regional poetry as a symbol of beauty and devotion.
• Variations/nicknames: Malli, Malla.

Bela / Bela (बेला)

• Meaning: jasmine or night-blooming jasmine (Bela).
• Pronunciation: BAY-la or BEH-la (regional).
• Gender: feminine.
• Spiritual note: Belā flowers are favored for weddings and worship; the scent is associated with household rites and bridal adornment across many Indian languages.
• Variations/nicknames: Belu, Bela.

Tulsi (तुलसी)

• Meaning: holy basil.
• Pronunciation: TOOL-see.
• Gender: feminine / unisex as a given name.
• Spiritual note: Tulsi is treated as a living sacred plant in many Vaiṣṇava households and celebrated in the festival Tulsi Vivah (usually in the month of Kartik). It is closely associated with Viṣṇu and Kṛṣṇa. Naming after tulsi carries devotional connotations in many families.
• Variations/nicknames: Tulsi, Tul.

Vilva / Bilva (बिल्व)

• Meaning: bael tree (Aegle marmelos); often the word refers to leaves and the tree itself.
• Pronunciation: VIL-va or BIL-va.
• Gender: feminine or unisex.
• Spiritual note: Vilva leaves (bilva patra) are a standard offering to Śiva in many Śaiva rites. The tree and its parts carry strong associations with Śiva’s worship in Puranic and temple practice.
• Variations/nicknames: Vilvi, Bilvi.

Gulab (गुलाब)

• Meaning: rose.
• Pronunciation: GOO-laab.
• Gender: masculine or unisex.
• Spiritual note: Roses are common in devotional offerings and literary metaphors for love and devotion. Regional usage varies; names derived from roses are widely acceptable across communities.
• Variations/nicknames: Gul, Golu.

Champaka / Champa (चम्पक)

• Meaning: champaka (Michelia champaca), a fragrant yellow or white blossom.
• Pronunciation: CHUM-pa-ka / CHUM-pa.
• Gender: Champaka (unisex), Champa (feminine).
• Spiritual note: Champaka features in classical poetry, temple gardens and ritual use. It carries connotations of fragrance, beauty and auspiciousness.
• Variations/nicknames: Champ, Champa.

Arka (अर्क)

• Meaning: calotropis or a plant with solar associations; in some texts Arka refers to a medicinal/ritual plant and also to the sun.
• Pronunciation: AR-ka.
• Gender: masculine or unisex.
• Spiritual note: Arka appears in Vedic and Puranic lists of ritual plants. The name can connote brightness, utility in rites, and traditional knowledge of plants.
• Variations/nicknames: Ark.

Pushpa / Pushpita (पुष्प / पुष्पिता)

• Meaning: flower / blossomed.
• Pronunciation: PUSH-pa / push-PEE-ta.
• Gender: Pushpa (feminine), Pushpita (feminine); Pushp can be adapted as a masculine form.
• Spiritual note: The term pushpa is the generic word for flowers used in offerings; many mantras and hymns mention offering pushpa to deities as a symbol of surrender.
• Variations/nicknames: Push, Pushi.

Choosing a flower name — practical considerations

• Family and tradition: Check family naming customs. Some communities prefer names tied to nakṣatra (lunar mansion) syllables or gotra customs.
• Pronunciation and language: Consider regional pronunciations (e.g., Bela vs Bela) and how the name sounds in your home language.
• Meaning and association: Some flowers are strongly linked to particular deities (e.g., tulsi with Viṣṇu, vilva with Śiva). Decide if you want those devotional associations.
• Modern usage: Many floral names are used widely, secularly and affectionately across communities; they can be simple and timeless.
• Respect for living traditions: If a plant has active ritual life (for example, household tulsi plants), parents may want to be mindful of spiritual meanings and local customs.

Final note

Flower names offer a poetic, culturally rooted option for a child’s name. They connect everyday nature to ritual life, poetry and scripture while allowing flexibility across communities. If you want a name tied to a specific liturgical significance, discussing it with family elders or a priest from your tradition can help clarify local practice and auspicious naming days (nāmakaraṇa).