Find out how popular the first name Indra has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Indra by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Indra is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 87% of people named Indra being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 12 male babies and 12 female babies born with the name Indra.

The history of the first name Indra

The given name Indra has its origins in ancient Indian culture and mythology. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "indu," meaning "drop" or "moon," reflecting its association with celestial bodies and natural phenomena. The name is closely linked to the Vedic deity Indra, the king of the gods and the god of rain, thunder, and storms in Hindu mythology.

Indra is a prominent figure in the Rigveda, one of the oldest and most sacred Hindu scriptures, where he is celebrated for his heroic deeds and his ability to bring rain and fertility to the earth. The name Indra is mentioned numerous times throughout the Vedic texts, solidifying its significance in ancient Indian culture and religious traditions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Indra can be found in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, where it is borne by a prominent warrior and ally of the Pandavas. In this epic, Indra is depicted as a formidable fighter and a protector of the righteous.

Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Indra. One of the most famous is Indra Devi (1899-2002), a renowned Russian-born yoga teacher who played a pivotal role in popularizing yoga in the West. She was instrumental in introducing yoga to Hollywood celebrities and promoting its practice globally.

Another notable bearer of the name is Indra Nooyi (born 1955), the former CEO of PepsiCo from 2006 to 2018. She was one of the few women to lead a major Fortune 500 company and was instrumental in driving PepsiCo's growth and expansion during her tenure.

In the realm of literature, Indra Sengupta (born 1972) is a celebrated Indian author and poet whose works often explore themes of identity, diaspora, and cultural integration. Her novels, such as "Invisible Maps" and "The Transformation," have garnered critical acclaim and recognition.

Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi (born 1955) is an Indian-American business executive who served as the CEO of PepsiCo from 2006 to 2018. She was one of the few women to lead a major Fortune 500 company and was instrumental in driving PepsiCo's growth and expansion during her tenure.

Indra Devi (1899-2002), also known as Eugenie Peterson, was a renowned Russian-born yoga teacher who played a pivotal role in popularizing yoga in the West. She introduced yoga to Hollywood celebrities and helped promote its practice globally, leaving a lasting impact on the spread of yoga beyond its Indian origins.

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 Indra was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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