47 South Indian Girl Names With Divine Symbolisms
A collection that represents the history of the Dravidian culture.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
South India is predominantly a Dravidian language-speaking belt. South Indian baby girl names reflect the region's linguistic diversity, constituting over twenty-six languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada (1). Female names of this region symbolize aspired attributes, including purity, strength, elegance, beauty, and intelligence. Families in South India also practice naming their girls after deities, elements of nature, virtues, celestial bodies, or ancestors. There are multiple variations when it comes to naming conventions in South India. For instance, surnames were abandoned among the Tamils following the Dravidian Movement in the 1930s due to their association with caste identity. However, the family name comes before the given name in the Telugu naming pattern. Malayali names contain three parts: the name of the village, the paternal name, and the personal name. In the Kannada naming convention, the first name is followed by the father’s name and the surname in the North of Karnataka. But in the South, the village name comes first, followed by the father's name, the given name, and the surname. In fact, both Tamil and Kannada women are encouraged to adopt their husband’s first name as their surname after marriage. In Dravidian culture, choosing ancestor names is expected as it shows respect for one’s bloodline. Traditional South Indian names have persisted in use despite the advances of modernity and globalization because of their profound cultural resonance and rich linguistic background. However, parents nowadays are exploring more modern and distinctive names while maintaining a strong cultural connection, resulting in a charming fusion of the traditional and the contemporary. South Indian baby girl names are not simply labels but representations of cultural identity, ancestry, spirituality, and parental aspirations. They stand for a treasured custom that unites generations and preserves the vibrant cultural fabric of the area. Exploring South Indian baby girl names may be a fascinating adventure, whether you are of South Indian ancestry or appreciate the linguistic beauty of these names. The list below will give you ample options to pick a name for your daughter.
On This Page
Browse Baby Names By Gender
Browse Baby Names By Alphabet
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Girl | Sweetness; Sympathy; Agreeableness | |
| | Girl | Put forward; Presented; Agreeable | |
| | Girl | Beloved; Imperceptible | |
| | Girl | A brave poetess who writes against evils of society | |
| | Girl | Healthy; Free from diseases | |
| | Girl | Resembles an outstanding gemstone | |
| | Girl | A beautiful or pleasant person | |
| | Girl | Beloved like a lotus; Lotus lover | |
| | Girl | One who is united or joined | |
| | Girl | Highly auspicious or blessed; Name of an Indian river | |
| | Girl | Very quick | |
| | Girl | Full of luster | |
| | Girl | Beloved of the sun | |
| | Girl | A name of Goddess Parvati | |
| | Girl | She who is beautiful and intelligent | |
| | Girl | A girl who loves smiling | |
| | Girl | A Flower | |
| | Girl | A friend in need | |
| | Girl | Love | |
| | Girl | Season | |
| | Girl | Pretty | |
| | Girl | Illuminated | |
| | Girl | The Lord Saibaba Message | |
| | Girl | Real love and attachment | |
| | Girl | A compilation; A bunch of Vedic hymns | |
| | Girl | Obtainment | |
| | Girl | Beautiful | |
| | Girl | Indian white rose | |
| | Girl | She who is as sweet as honey | |
| | Girl | Chrysanthemum | |
| | Girl | The moon | |
| | Girl | Lioness | |
| | Girl | Wife of Lord Shiva | |
| | Girl | A hymn | |
| | Girl | Rising queen | |
| | Girl | Visible | |
| | Girl | The name of Goddess Laxmi | |
| | Girl | The name of Goddess Parvati | |
| | Girl | Lord Vishnu's garland | |
| | Girl | The name of Goddess Lakshmi | |
| | Girl | Knowledge | |
| | Girl | She who is brave | |
| | Girl | Expanse; Cleave; Virtue; Heroic | |
| | Girl | Self-control | |
| | Girl | Truth | |
| | Girl | Good | |
| | Girl | A name for Goddess Mahalakshmi | |
South Indian baby girl names are steeped in divine symbolism, virtues, and family lineage. They help preserve the Dravidian language family and the region's diverse traditions. These names are a testimony of their unique social fabric and religious synergy. Exploring these names offers a captivating insight into the cultural richness and diversity of South India. Thus, whether you are of South Indian descent or admire their linguistic charm, these names will inspire you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do South Indian girl names differ from names in other regions of India?
South Indian names are derived from Dravidian languages and customs, unlike other regions in India, which borrow from Indo-Aryan influences. These names have unique phonetic structures that reflect the richness of language, cultural heritage, deities, regional customs, and cast hierarchies. In addition, these names also borrow inspiration from regional literature and Dravidian adaptations of scriptures rather than follow Sanscritic literature. Each southern state also has its unique naming patterns and rules that do not necessarily follow the Indo-Aryan or Western style of naming.
2. What are some South Indian girl names inspired by Hindu mythology?
Kalyani is a beautiful name meaning 'lovely,' 'beautiful,' and 'auspicious' in Sanskrit. It is an alternate name for the goddess Parvati. Indira means 'beauty' in Sanskrit and is another name for the goddess Lakshmi, the wife of the Hindu god Vishnu. Aruna, meaning 'dawn,' is associated with lord Surya's charioteer, whereas Aparna translates to 'leafless' and is another name for the Hindu goddess Parvati.
3. What are some popular South Indian girl names that have Sanskrit origins?
Puja, also written as Pooja, is a popular South Indian name meaning 'honor' or 'worship.' Padmini is a charming name that means 'multitude of lotuses' and represents the beauty and grace of the lotus flower. Kiran (sunbeam), Indumati (full moon), Devi (goddess), and Anjali (salutation) are some more Sanskrit-origin names that parents from diverse linguistic and ethnic backgrounds can embrace.
4. What are some popular South Indian girl names that have Tamil origins?
Amala (pure), Harini (deer), Ezhil (beauty), Thamarai (lotus), and Vaishnavi (belonging to Vishnu) are a few South Indian names with positive connotations. These Tamil origin names represent the beauty, elegance, and purity of different aspects of human life.
5. What are some South Indian girl names inspired by nature or the environment?
Yamuna, possibly derived from the name of the goddess Yami, is the name of an Indian river. Sandhya means twilight in Sanskrit and is Lord Brahma's daughter's name. Pushpa (flower), Meena (fish), and Aruna (the reddish glow of the dawn) are more nature-inspired South Indian girls' names that exude beauty and serenity associated with natural elements.
Infographic: Charming South Indian Baby Girl Names
South Indian baby girl names have an alluring charm. These names bear the essence of spirituality yet have a modern touch. They carry a rich history of South Indian languages and symbolize ancestral lineage, religious connotations, and parental aspirations. Explore the following infographic, which provides some beautiful South Indian baby girl names and their meanings.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Bhadriraju Krishnamurti; (2003); The Dravidian Languages.
https://edisciplinas.usp.br/enrol/index.php?id=65745
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Ratika Pai
Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi
Read full bio of Nisha Bharatan
