10 unisex baby names that are popular in India

Introduction: why unisex names are rising

Choosing a name in India often weaves together language, family tradition, astrology and spiritual meaning. Names drawn from Sanskrit, devotional practice, or natural imagery can carry a sense of dharma — ethical duty — or blessing. In recent decades urban and pan‑Indian naming trends have seen many names used across genders: some are historically neutral, others are older names re‑used in gender‑inclusive ways. Usage varies by region, community and family preference; the notes below are cautious about regional differences and historical usage.

How to read these entries

Each entry shows the name, a brief etymology and spiritual or cultural resonance, common pronunciations and typical variants. Where a name has strong sectarian or deity associations, that is stated respectfully: different Hindu traditions (Śaiva, Vaiṣṇava, Śākta, Smārta) may emphasize particular meanings or stories.

Practical note

Many families still consult the child’s nakshatra (lunar mansion) or horoscope to choose a syllable for the name; others pick a name for meaning alone. All claims about popularity and gender usage below reflect broad patterns in contemporary India and can vary locally.

Arya

Meaning: “noble” in Sanskrit. Pronunciation: AH‑rya or AIR‑ya. Variants: Aarya, Ariya.

Notes: A long‑standing Sanskrit adjective used as a personal name across South Asia and in Buddhist and Jain contexts. In many Indian languages it is treated as gender‑neutral today. In Vaiṣṇava and Smārta families the term appears as a respectful epithet; elsewhere it is simply chosen for its modern, short sound.

Isha

Meaning: “lord” or “one who protects” (Ishā also used as feminine form of Ishvara). Pronunciation: EE‑sha or ISH‑a. Variants: Ishaa, Ishan (masculine form), Ishani (feminine derivative).

Notes: Isha appears in the Vedic phrase Ishāvasyam (“the Lord pervades”) and as a name associated with Shiva in some traditions and with the Goddess in others. Its usage is flexible, and modern parents use it for any gender while often appreciating its devotional resonance.

Kiran

Meaning: “ray” or “beam of light”. Pronunciation: KEE‑run or KIR‑an. Variants: Kiran is spelled similarly across scripts.

Notes: One of the clearest contemporary unisex names in India. Used widely in different languages, Kiran carries neutral natural imagery rather than a sectarian association, which is part of its broad appeal.

Anmol

Meaning: “priceless” or “invaluable”. Pronunciation: UN‑mol. Variants: sometimes spelled Anmol or Anmol.

Notes: A Hindi/Indic compound rather than a classical deity name; commonly given to boys and girls in many communities. Its secular, positive meaning has made it a favorite for parents looking for an affirming, gender‑neutral choice.

Sai

Meaning: devotional name associated with the 19th–20th century saint Sai Baba; sometimes rendered as “saī”. Pronunciation: SAI. Variants: Saai, Saiya.

Notes: Sai is explicitly devotional and cross‑community: devotees of Sai Baba include people from many Hindu traditions and other faiths. It is often used as a neutral given name or as part of a compound name (Sai Ram, Sai Krishna) and is frequently chosen for both boys and girls.

Aadi / Adi

Meaning: “first”, “primordial”. Pronunciation: AA‑di. Variants: Aadi, Adi, Aadhi.

Notes: Found in theological contexts (e.g., Adiyogi, the primordial yogi) and in everyday use. It carries a strong, compact Sanskrit root and is used across genders. Different communities may prefer particular spellings or compound forms like Aaditya/Aaditi (which have different gender histories).

Aman

Meaning: “peace” (from Persian origin but widely used in India). Pronunciation: AH‑man. Variants: Amán, Amann.

Notes: Though not classical Sanskrit, Aman is widely familiar and used for boys and girls in contemporary India. Its pan‑Indian, pan‑linguistic adoption reflects modern naming patterns that mix linguistic sources while valuing meaning.

Tejas

Meaning: “brilliance”, “radiance”. Pronunciation: TAY‑jas or TEH‑jas. Variants: Tej, Tejash.

Notes: Tejas is a Sanskrit noun used in classical literature; historically more common for boys, but in urban usage it is increasingly seen as gender‑neutral because the quality it names—light, vigor—is desirable for any child. In Śaiva and Vaiṣṇava texts the term appears as an attribute of divine energy.

Veda

Meaning: “knowledge” or the Vedas (sacred scriptures). Pronunciation: VAY‑da or VEE‑da. Variants: Ved, Vedika (feminine derivative).

Notes: Veda references sacred learning and is sometimes used as a given name for both boys and girls, though many modern families choose Veda more often for girls. Its spiritual resonance is explicit: families that wish to signal a connection to scriptural learning or to the idea of knowledge select this name; interpretive cautions are appropriate since the term is also the name of canonical texts.

Naming practicalities and respectful choices

Many parents combine spiritual meaning with practical concerns: shortness for ease of pronunciation, compatibility with surnames, and how the name sounds in different scripts and languages. A few practical tips:

• Check regional pronunciation and spelling variations: the same name can be rendered differently across scripts.
• Discuss with elders who may prefer traditional forms; equally, be open about modern, gender‑neutral uses.
• If following astrology, confirm the nakshatra syllable before finalising a short name or pet form.
• Be mindful that some names are strongly associated with particular deities or sects; that association may matter to families who emphasise religious identity.

Final note

Names in India mix history, scripture and everyday life. The ten names above are widely used across communities and increasingly chosen in gender‑neutral ways, but usage is never uniform: local custom, family tradition and personal preference always shape the final choice. Wherever a name comes from—Sanskrit roots, devotional titles, or modern coinages—selecting a name often begins a lifelong relationship with meaning, story and community.