10 classic Indian baby names that are making a comeback

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On October 12, 2025

Why old names are new again

Across cities and towns, parents are turning back to names with deep Sanskrit roots and scriptural resonance. The trend reflects several currents: renewed interest in classical literature and bhakti traditions; a desire for names that carry clear meanings; family lineages reclaiming ancestral names; and a preference for shorter, easy-to-pronounce choices that still feel rooted. Many families also balance tradition with modern life by choosing names that work across languages and on official records.

Here I use a few Sanskrit terms—dharma — ethical duty, bhakti — devotional love, jñāna — knowledge—offering brief glosses where they appear. Readers will note that the same name can mean slightly different things across texts and regions; I flag those differences where relevant.

Ten classic names making a comeback

Aditi (f)

Meaning: “unbound,” mother of the gods (the Adityas).
Source & notes: Prominent in the Rigveda as a cosmic mother figure. In later Puranic lists she is mother of the solar deities. Aditi is associated with abundance and cosmic order; commentators link her with the idea of the infinite or the sky.
Variants & pronunciation: A‑di‑ti (stress on first syllable). Rarely shortened to Adi but usually kept whole.
Why now: Vedic names with feminine theological roles resonate with parents seeking classical roots without sectarian overtones.

Agastya (m)

Meaning: name of a celebrated rishi (sage).
Source & notes: Appears in the Vedas and epics; in the Ramayana and many Purāṇas he is credited with carrying Vedic learning to the south. Tamil tradition especially celebrates Agastya as a civilising figure.
Variants & pronunciation: A‑gas‑tya (soft “g”, terminal “ya”). South Indian forms include Agastya/Agasti.
Why now: Connotes learnedness and bridge-building between north and south — attractive to parents who value pan-Indian identity.

Devaki (f)

Meaning: “daughter of the gods” or “divine woman” (Devakī).
Source & notes: Famous as the biological mother of Kṛṣṇa in the Harivaṃśa and Bhāgavata Purāṇa. In many regions the name also carries connotations of maternal strength and sacrifice.
Variants & pronunciation: De‑va‑kī (long final vowel in classical pronunciation). Related forms: Devika (smaller, affectionate form).
Why now: Familiar from stories and devotional poetry; it links literary heritage with a simple two- or three-syllable structure.

Isha / Esha (f, unisex)

Meaning: “ruler,” “lord” or “the feminine desire” depending on form — from īśa (lord) or ēśā (wish/desire).
Source & notes: Īśa is used in Vedic and later texts as an epithet of the divine (e.g., Īśvara); the Īśa Upaniṣad begins with the word Īśā. Usage as a feminine name often maps to the variant Esha.
Variants & pronunciation: Ī‑śa or E‑sha. Spelling choices change how people see the name’s origin (Īśa emphasises divinity; Esha sounds contemporary).
Why now: Short, elegant, and with layered meanings attractive to modern families. Some avoid strongly sectarian readings by preferring the neutral Esha form.

Ishaan / Ishan (m)

Meaning: “lord,” also associated with the northeast direction (Īśāna) and with Śiva in some lists.
Source & notes: In Śaiva texts, Īśāna is one of the faces of Śiva and governs the northeast. Classical architectural and vastu texts also use the term for a directional aspect.
Variants & pronunciation: I‑shaan or I‑shan; common modern spellings include Ishaan, Ishan. Works well across languages.
Why now: Popular with parents who like strong yet devotional-sounding male names with clear classical pedigree.

Kavya (f)

Meaning: “poetry,” “poetical work.”
Source & notes: Classical Sanskrit literature uses kavya to describe refined poetic composition. As a personal name it suggests literary taste and creativity rather than sectarian ties.
Variants & pronunciation: Kav‑ya. Can appear as Kavitha/Kavya in South India.
Why now: A modern-sounding classic that signals cultural literacy and artistic temperament.

Nikhil (m)

Meaning: “whole,” “entire,” “universal.”
Source & notes: From Sanskrit nikhila; used widely in modern Indian literature and names. It does not carry strong sectarian or scriptural attachments, which makes it broadly acceptable.
Variants & pronunciation: Ni‑khil (hard “kh”). Simple to adapt across scripts and languages.
Why now: Sound, meaning and portability make it a steady favourite among urban parents.

Mira / Mirā (f)

Meaning: Often associated with devotion to Kṛṣṇa because of Meera Bai, the sixteenth‑century bhakti poet-saint.
Source & notes: Mirā (Meera) is an iconic figure in Vaiṣṇava bhakti traditions; her poems and songs continue to inspire in many regional languages.
Variants & pronunciation: Mi‑ra / Mi‑rā. Sometimes spelled Meera, a form common in English transliteration.
Why now: Emotional, devotional resonance and strong female saintly association—appeals to parents who value bhakti heritage.

Rohan (m)

Meaning: “ascending,” “to take flight” (from Sanskrit rohana).
Source & notes: Though its classical textual footprint is lighter than some names above, the root is Sanskrit and the name has enjoyed long usage in several Indian languages. It is also found among modern literary references.
Variants & pronunciation: Ro‑han. Easily pronounced across regions; also used in diaspora communities.
Why now: Energetic, modern-sounding yet classical-backed — a common combination parents seek.

Tara (f)

Meaning: “star,” also a goddess or guide; in Buddhist tradition a bodhisattva of compassion, in Śākta and Tantric Hinduism a Mahāvidyā.
Source & notes: Tara has layered identities across Hindu and Buddhist contexts; in Tantric and Shakta texts she is a fierce and protective deity. This multiplicity is both an attraction and a reason families check their own devotional sensibilities first.
Variants & pronunciation: Ta‑ra. Short and internationally familiar.
Why now: The cross‑tradition presence and poetic meaning (“star”) make it appealing to many families seeking a name that is simultaneously classical and universal.

Practical notes for parents

Pronunciation and spelling: Decide on a transliteration early (e.g., Ishaan vs Ishan) so records, passports and family usage stay consistent.
Consultation traditions: Some families consult a family elder, priest or an astrologer (jyotisha) to choose a name based on nakshatra (lunar mansion). That is a living custom; others prefer secular choice. Both approaches are common and respected.
Cultural sensitivity: A name with strong sectarian associations can still be worn by anyone, but families who want to honour a specific tradition (Śaiva, Vaiṣṇava, Śākta, or Smārta) may choose names with clear links and check local usages.

These ten names show how late classical and devotional vocabularies are being reshaped for contemporary India: brief, meaningful, and adaptable across languages. As always, the best choice balances family history, ease of use, and the sense of identity parents wish to pass on.