What does Indira mean and where does it come from?
Indira is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Indu', which means 'moon'. It has historical significance, often associated with the goddess Lakshmi in Hinduism. The name gained popularity due to Indira Gandhi, the first and only female Prime Minister of India. Indira is a common name in India and Nepal,
Cultural significance
Indira has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in India-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beauty, splendor.
Peak popularity
Reached #1736 in 1966 — currently #3797 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
India-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Indira?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Indira?
Indira works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Indira Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Indira Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Indira Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Indira Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Indira Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Indira Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Indira right now?
Falling — down 806 spots — currently #3797 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3797 | 39 | ▼ down 806 · -29% births |
| 2024 | #2991 | 55 | ▲ up 1233 · +62% births |
| 2023 | #4224 | 34 | ▼ down 311 · -11% births |
| 2022 | #3913 | 38 | ▼ down 400 · -14% births |
| 2021 | #3513 | 44 | ▲ up 71 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #3584 | 41 | ▼ down 182 · -13% births |
| 2015 | #3402 | 47 | ▲ up 364 · +15% births |
| 2010 | #3766 | 41 | ▼ down 1080 · -35% births |
| 2005 | #2686 | 63 | ▼ down 244 |
| 2000 | #2442 | 63 | ▲ up 459 · +54% births |
| 1995 | #2901 | 41 | ▲ up 297 · +17% births |
| 1990 | #3198 | 35 | ▼ down 1369 · -44% births |
| 1985 | #1829 | 62 | ▲ up 603 · +55% births |
| 1980 | #2432 | 40 | ▲ up 1479 · +135% births |
| 1975 | #3911 | 17 | — |
The story of Indira
Indira is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1966. With 2,266 total births recorded, Indira remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3306 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4224 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Indira in 1966:
Indira by decade
Indira peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 90 | |
| 1970s | 241 | |
| 1980s | 352 | |
| 1990s | 467 | |
| 2000s ★ | 611 | |
| 2010s | 464 | |
| 2020s | 135 | |
💎With 2,266 total births, Indira is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Indira?
What names sound and feel like Indira?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Indira also consider these
How is Indira written in other languages?
इन्दिरा
Sanskrit), इन्दिरा, इंदिरा (Hindi), इंदिरा (Marathi), ಇಂದಿರಾ (Kannada), இந்திரா (Tamil
Common questions about the name Indira
What does the name Indira mean?
Indira means "beauty, splendor" — a name rooted in India tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Indira?
Indira is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Indira?
Indira originates from India tradition. India names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Indira?
Indira is a three-syllable name pronounced ind-IR-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Indira?
Indira pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar India heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.