Find out how popular the first name Indiana has been for the last 43 years (from 1982 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Indiana by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Indiana is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 54% of people named Indiana being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 83 female babies and 68 male babies born with the name Indiana.

The history of the first name Indiana

The name Indiana has its roots in the Native American languages spoken by the indigenous tribes of the present-day United States. It is believed to derive from the word "Innu" used by the Algonquin tribes, which means "human being" or "man." The name was adopted by English settlers in the 17th century and gained popularity in the United States after the establishment of the state of Indiana in 1816.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Indiana can be found in the writings of the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, who traveled through the region in the late 17th century. In his journals, he referred to the native inhabitants as "Indianas," a term that later evolved into the name of the state.

Throughout history, the name Indiana has been associated with several notable individuals. One of the most famous was Indiana Jones, the fictional archaeologist and adventurer created by George Lucas and portrayed by Harrison Ford in the popular film series of the same name. The first Indiana Jones movie, "Raiders of the Lost Ark," was released in 1981 and became a cultural phenomenon.

Another famous Indiana was Indiana Woodward, an American actress and singer who was born in 1932. She was best known for her roles in Broadway musicals and appeared in several films throughout her career.

In the world of literature, Indiana Maria Ramona Esperanza Mendiola y Acuña, better known as Indiana Massara, was a Spanish writer and poet who lived in the late 19th century. Her works explored themes of feminism and social justice.

The name Indiana has also been associated with notable figures in politics and activism. Indiana Fletcher Williams, born in 1837, was an American abolitionist and women's rights advocate who fought for the abolition of slavery and the right to vote for women.

Indiana Karan, born in 1958, is an Indian social worker and activist who has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, particularly women and children in rural areas.

These are just a few examples of the individuals who have carried the name Indiana throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human experience.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Indiana was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Indiana, please contact us.

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