Naming your son is the kind of decision you turn over a hundred times before it clicks. It should sound good called across a room, look good signed on a page, and carry a meaning you're happy to explain a thousand times over the years. Here are 100 names to get you there.
We've kept the list wide on purpose. Some are short and modern, some are rooted in tradition, a few are rare enough that your son might be the only one in his class with that name. Skim it, shortlist your favourites, and say them out loud. The right one usually announces itself.
A
AaravPeaceful; calm.
AdvaitUnique; one without a second.
ArjunBright, shining; a great warrior.
AryanNoble; honourable.
AyaanA gift of God.
B
BodhiEnlightenment; awakening.
BrijThe land of Lord Krishna.
BhuvanThe world; the earth.
BalajiLord Vishnu.
C
ChiragA lamp; a light.
ChaitanyaConsciousness; life.
CharanHoly feet.
ChetanAwareness; full of life.
D
DevA god; divine.
DarshSight; vision.
DhruvThe pole star; steadfast.
DakshCapable; skilled.
DivitImmortal.
E
EhaanThe full moon.
EshanLord Shiva; the sun.
EklavyaA devoted, self-taught student.
F
FarhanHappy; joyful.
FaizGrace; generosity.
FatehVictory.
G
GauravPride; honour.
GirishLord Shiva.
GautamWise; the Buddha.
GranthA book; holy scripture.
H
HarshJoy; happiness.
HridaanGiven by the heart.
HiteshA well-wisher.
HardikHeartfelt; sincere.
HariLord Vishnu.
I
IshaanThe sun; Lord Shiva.
IvaanA gracious gift of God.
IneshA king.
IndraKing of the gods.
J
JaiVictory.
JivanLife.
JagatThe world; the universe.
JaiveerA victorious warrior.
K
KabirGreat; a revered saint-poet.
KrishLord Krishna.
KaranA generous warrior; helper.
KiaanKing; grace of God.
KunalA lotus.
L
LakshAim; goal.
LakshayA target; aim.
LavSon of Lord Rama.
LohitRed; the planet Mars.
M
ManavA human; mankind.
MihirThe sun.
MadhavLord Krishna.
MohitEnchanted; charming.
MananDeep thought; reflection.
N
NeelThe colour blue.
NirvaanLiberation; ultimate bliss.
NakulA Pandava prince.
NavinNew.
NirajA lotus.
O
OmThe sacred sound; the divine.
OjasEnergy; vitality.
OmkarThe sound of Om.
P
ParthAnother name for Arjun; a king.
PranavThe sacred syllable Om.
ParamThe best; supreme.
PrathamThe first.
PremLove.
Q
QabilCapable; able.
R
ReyanshA ray of light; Lord Vishnu.
RudraLord Shiva.
RohanAscending; sandalwood.
RiaanA little king.
RanbirA brave warrior.
S
ShauryaBravery; valour.
SaiA saint; the divine.
ShlokA verse; a hymn.
SiddharthOne who has achieved his goals.
Soham"I am He"; the divine self.
T
TejasBrilliance; radiance.
TanishAmbition; desire.
TarunYoung; youthful.
TanmayAbsorbed; engrossed.
U
UditRisen; grown.
UtkarshAdvancement; prosperity.
UjjwalBright; radiant.
V
VihaanDawn; morning.
VivaanFull of life; Lord Krishna.
VedSacred knowledge.
VeerBrave; courageous.
VirajResplendent; a king.
W
WarisAn heir; inheritor.
X
XavierBright; a new house.
Y
YashFame; success.
YuvaanYouthful.
YugAn era; an age.
YatharthTruth; reality.
Z
ZayanBeautiful; a gracious host.
ZainGrace; beauty.
ZoravarBrave; powerful.
How to pick the one
A hundred names is a lot to sit with, so don't try to love them all. Circle three or four that make you pause, then live with them for a few days. Say each one the way you'd call your son in for dinner. The one that still feels right by the weekend is almost always the answer.
A few things worth checking
- The meaning matters more over time than you'd think, so pick one you're glad to carry.
- The full name should flow with your surname when you say it aloud.
- The nickname it shortens to is the version you'll actually use all day.
- The spelling is kinder to your child for life if it's simple to write and read.
Frequently asked questions
What are some cute baby boy names with meaning? +
Cute baby boy names with meaning include Aarav (peaceful), Vihaan (dawn), Reyansh (ray of light), Kabir (great), Ayaan (gift of God) and Vivaan (full of life). Choosing by meaning makes the name feel more personal.
What are the latest modern Indian boy names? +
Popular modern names include Vivaan, Reyansh, Aarav, Vihaan, Ayaan, Kiaan, Ivaan and Shaurya — short, easy to say, and currently among the most chosen for boys.
How do I choose a good name for my baby boy? +
Pick a name whose meaning you love, that sounds good with your surname, and that's easy to say and spell. Say it out loud, check the nickname it shortens to, and go with the one that feels right.
What are some short baby boy names? +
Short, cute options include Dev, Om, Jai, Veer, Yash, Neel, Krish, Sai, Lav and Aryan. They're easy to pronounce, simple to spell, and pair well with most surnames.
