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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Using India as a name in 2025

39 replies

Flippingfrogtasticfred · 13/11/2025 19:26

DH and I are expecting our first baby girl, we have found picking names even just for a shortlist to be a bit of a nightmare.
Today I met up with some friends and we were talking about a girl we used to know named India. It reminded her actually somewhat love the name and DH likes it too.
However I’m worried that it might read as a bit outdated or even offensive considering the colonial ties to the name.
When I was young in the 90s it was a name I really associated with the posh, chic girls that went to private school and had a pony, but I don’t really hear it at all these days and I’m aware it might have fallen a little downmarket in the 00s/2010s. Though my opinion might be guided by the India I knew was the child of millionaires and all her friends had names like Cressida and Minty.

So can India be used in 2025 or is it a bit dated and disrespectful to use now?

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musicalfrog · 13/11/2025 21:35

India Willoughby.

Say no more!

MidnightPatrol · 13/11/2025 21:32

Absolutely would not cross my mind that it was offensive nor dated…!

hobbledyhoy · 13/11/2025 21:32

Always reminds me of Katie Hopkins on This Morning when she said it was ‘chavvy’ to have children named after places and then it turned out her daughter was called India.
She’s so vile I couldn’t bear it for that reason.

purpleme12 · 13/11/2025 21:24

I don't think there's anything wrong with the name!

PortSalutPlease · 13/11/2025 21:22

Katie Hopkins has a daughter called India, so not a chance I’d use it!

ginasevern · 13/11/2025 20:19

India Hicks is the grandaughter of Lord Mountbatten, so that's one good reason not to choose the name. It's also very dated, especially if you haven't got any connection to the country. It's sort of trying to be "posh" but failing as well.

anon2022anon · 13/11/2025 20:14

I have an Indie, is that a possible alternative for you? That's her whole name, but I have heard of it being a shortening of Indigo and Indiana too.

toastofthetown · 13/11/2025 20:11

I’m not a fan of India. It feels somewhat colonial, only starting to be used as a name after British rule in India. I know it’s had a long period use as a name and I don’t think she would be judged for her name but personally I’d avoid. It’s not that I think it’s offensive but I also don’t think it’s a neutral name either.

Original poster
Flippingfrogtasticfred · 13/11/2025 19:39

BuffaloCauliflower · 13/11/2025 19:38

Binky Felstead (posh influencer) has an India who’s about 9. It is definitely posh and not much used, but I don’t think it’s considered offensive to use. I think you’d be fine.

Oh I’m just not sure we are posh enough to pull it off if it’s still classed as a pretty posh name!

OP posts:
BuffaloCauliflower · 13/11/2025 19:38

Binky Felstead (posh influencer) has an India who’s about 9. It is definitely posh and not much used, but I don’t think it’s considered offensive to use. I think you’d be fine.

GreyCloudsLooming · 13/11/2025 19:37

I wouldn’t use India as a name- unless you are from India.

Holluschickie · 13/11/2025 19:37

I am of Indian heritage btw. As is India Knight. I wouldn't be outraged if you used it, but it does sound outdated.

Holluschickie · 13/11/2025 19:35

I think of India Knight. Who is keeping dubious company these days. ( It's not her real name).

GoldenRosebee · 13/11/2025 19:31

I don't like it because I don't think association to India is nice one. I also don't really care for sound of India. I much prefer Cressida and Araminta than India and it's because I like mythological or really old and unusual literary names.