Indira

Indira is a feminine given name of Sanskrit origin, meaning "beauty" or "splendid". In Hindu tradition, it is a recognized epithet of the goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu. The name thus carries divine connotations, linking its bearer to ideas of prosperity and aesthetic excellence.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The name Indira rose to global prominence through Indira Gandhi (1917–1984), India's first—and to date only—female prime minister. Serving from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination, she was a central figure in Indian politics and a symbol of women's leadership. Other notable bearers include Indira Devi Chaudhurani (1873–1960), a Bengali author and musician who was a close associate of Rabindranath Tagore; Indira Miri (1910–2004), a pioneering Indian educationist; and Indira Jaising (born 1940), a prominent lawyer and human rights activist.

In addition to its presence across India—especially in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and Kannada—the name appears as Intira (อินทิรา) in Thailand. The popularity of Indira stems from both its linguistic beauty and its deep roots in Hindu mythology. Through association with Goddess Lakshmi, the name is often chosen to invoke fortune and radiance.

• Meaning: "beauty" (Sanskrit)
• Origin: Sanskrit, used in Hindu tradition
• Type: First name
• Usage Regions: India (Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Tamil) and Hindu communities; also in Thailand as Intira