All time favorite baby names from 1947 to present: Looking at more than 1.6 billion public records between 1947–2025, it became clear that some names have remained popular despite time, trends and changes.
In India, names are not just an identity, rather they tell the story of the thinking, values and social changes of their times. Since independence, the country has seen many big changes in politics, cinema, culture and lifestyle and the effect of all this is clearly visible on the names of children as well. From the year 1947 till now, there have been some names which, despite changing trends, have been liked in every generation as much as they were before. Interestingly, the data analysis found that crores of Indian families repeatedly expressed their trust in certain names in different decades.
This coverage is based on data available in The Names of India report, curated by iMeUsWe. On the basis of this data, we have brought all-time favorite top-20 girl and boy Indian names from 1947 till now, which are as trendy even today as they were during the independence era.
All-time favorite 10 girls names from 1947 till now
1. Lakshmi
The name Lakshmi is often associated with wealth and prosperity, but in reality this name has been a symbol of hard work, stability and balance. In many families, women named Lakshmi continued to manage the household even with limited resources and kept tradition connected with modernity.
2. Sunita
A Sunita is definitely found in every class, every office and every colony. Calm, focused and reliable, this name represents simplicity and responsibility. Sunita does not speak much, but her work itself becomes her identity.
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3. Geeta
Geeta is not just a name but a symbol of knowledge and discipline. Be it a school principal or a home guide, women named Geeta seem to balance every role. This name was taken with respect in every generation.
4. Anita
Anita is a name that combines modern thinking with Indian roots. This name was very popular in urban India. Confident, ambitious and smart – this has been the identity of the name Anita.
5. Pooja
There is devotion and confidence in the name Pooja. The name became a symbol of festivals, family and emotional bonding. Women named Pooja often become the link connecting people.
6. Sangeeta
The name Sangeeta itself means music and harmony. This name may not have been very trendy, but its presence remained in every era. Sangeeta is often considered to be a calm, sensitive and intelligent personality.
7. Rekha
Mysterious, confident and strong—the name Rekha is an identity in itself. This name was accepted in every class and became a symbol of strength along with simplicity.
8. Rani
The name itself is enough. Women named Rani are often seen moving forward with self-respect and dignity. This name reflects leadership and confidence.
9. Suman
The name Suman represents softness and closeness. This name fits seamlessly into every relationship—be it friendship or family.
10. Mamta
The name Mamta is a feeling in itself. This name has been a symbol of sacrifice, care and the power to understand everything without saying anything. Motherhood has always been a strong pillar in Indian families.
10 all-time favorite boy names from 1947 till now
After independence, India not only saw progress and changes, but also created some names which remained a symbol of trust, stability and identity in every era. These names were adopted by rich and poor, city and village and from generation to generation. Despite the changing economy, thinking and lifestyle, these names remained connected to the roots of Indian society.
Read more – Baby Boy Name: 50 unique names of boys starting with ‘A’, which will give a different identity to the little one.
1. Ram
The name Ram gave strength, clear thinking and stability to generations. This name does not make noise, but its impact is deep. Fulfilling responsibility, being satisfied with less and giving priority to family, this was the identity of the name Ram.
2. Santosh
The name Santosh never appeared ahead in the race, but it also never lagged behind. This name symbolizes balance, the balance between ambition and peace. Santosh was the person who was needed in every phase.
3. Sanjay
With a confident gait and a recognizable smile, people named Sanjay fit into every environment. Whether trends or times changed, Sanjay always knew how to adapt himself.
4. Rajesh
Rajesh is not a big talker, but his presence is felt. Dependable, practical and balanced, this has been the strength of the name Rajesh. Its identity is to remain calm even in difficult situations.
5. Shaikh
The name of respect, dignity and mystery. The personality named Sheikh stands out in the crowd as calm, composed and connected to tradition, but with modern thinking.
6. Prem
There has definitely been a love in every generation whose heart was big and intentions were strong. The name Prem was a symbol of sensitivity as well as inner strength.
7. Ramesh
A trustworthy character in every story. Ramesh was the person who remembered birthdays, listened to problems and helped without being asked. This name became a symbol of trust and stability.
8. Shiva
Quiet but powerful. People named Shiva speak less, but are forward thinking. Seriousness, focus and accuracy, these three qualities are associated with this name.
9. Sunil
Sunil was always present, neither too bright, nor anonymous. Easy to talk to, strong in trust and makes every environment light.
10. Anil
Anil was the name of a versatile personality. Sometimes fast, sometimes quiet, but always with a clear eye on the target. A risk taker, but with wisdom.
Why are these names special?
The specialty of these names is that they keep adapting themselves with religion, culture, cinema, politics and social changes. This is the reason why these names became not just a trend but the social story of India. To be honest, these names are the autobiography of India which was written in every house, every school and every street from 1947 till today. If you ever wonder what is the story behind my name? So maybe the answer lies in these data!