Most of the names that people of the Hindu faith select for their children originated on the Indian sub-contintent. Modern day India is one of the most religious diverse countries in the world with a majority Hindu population having lived in close proximity with Muslim, Christian, Jain and Buddhist communities for centuries. These traditions and cultures have influenced each other, with some names being shared by people of different traditions. Thus people of Indian extraction who identify as Hindus have a wide variety of names to choose from.
In looking for an appropriate name for your child, you may want to look at a shorter list of names that have a more specifically Hindu connotation, or you may want to extend your search to the broader subcultures of India
If
you want to talk with someone in person, please feel free to call: 917-439-2305
The Rev. Charles P. Henderson is a Presbyterian minister and author of Faith, Science and the Future, published in 1994 by CrossCurrents Press. He is also the author of God and Science (John Knox / Westminster, 1986) which he is now rewriting to incorporate more recent developments in the conversation taking place between scientists and theologians. He has also written widely for such publications as The New York Times, The Nation, Commonweal, The Christian Century and others.