"splendid, radiant beauty"
Indira
Pronunciation: [ ihnd-IHR-uh ]
The brilliance of Lakshmi, the strength of a Prime Minister
Meaning & Origin
"epithet of Lakshmi"
The Story of Indira
Indira derives from the Sanskrit word indira, meaning splendor or beauty, and is an epithet of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. The name appears in the Rigveda and has been used in India for over 3,000 years. Lakshmi is also called Sri Indira in some texts, connecting the name to both divine beauty and material abundance.
Indira became internationally recognized through Indira Gandhi (1917-1984), India's first female Prime Minister, who led the country through some of its most transformative decades. Her prominence made the name synonymous with strength and leadership in the modern era.
Indira is fundamentally connected to the goddess Lakshmi in Hindu tradition, making it a deeply auspicious name. In political history, Indira Gandhi remains one of the most powerful women of the 20th century. The name carries the weight of both divine blessing and historical leadership.
Fun Facts
- Indira Gandhi served as India's Prime Minister from 1966-1977 and 1980-1984
- Indira is an epithet of Lakshmi, appearing in ancient Vedic texts over 3,000 years old
- Indira means splendor or beauty in Sanskrit, related to the word for moon-like radiance
Indira in Other Languages
Famous People Named Indira
Indira Gandhi
Politician
1917
India's first female Prime Minister, serving 1966-1977 and 1980-1984, one of the most powerful political figures of the ...
India's first female Prime Minister, serving 1966-1977 and 1980-1984, one of the most powerful political figures of the 20th century
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #3,065
- Total SSA Count
- 53
- Cultural Origins
- Indian Hindu South Asian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Indira
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About the Name Indira
Indira is a girl name with Indian, Hindu, and South Asian origins . The name means "splendid, radiant beauty" in Sanskrit .
Indira is currently ranked #3,065 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Indira has 3 syllables and is pronounced ihnd-IHR-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Indira include Indi and Indy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Indira include Indie, Indigo, India, Indiana, Indi . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.