Using India as a name in 2025

[Flippingfrogtasticfred]

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However I’m worried that it might read as a bit outdated or even offensive considering the colonial ties to the name.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?

How about Indira as an alternative? Traditionally Indian but quite international now.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indira_(name)

I like the name but not the associations.

What else do you like?

Love it.. but also love Indie would that be an option. Also know an Indiana maybe an option..

Indigo nn Indie could be a nice alternative

I would have similar qualms. I would use Indie, Indira, Indigo or another similar sounding name personally.

India makes me think of Gone With the Wind if any names from that appeal?!

What is it you like about India?

There's a thread here about name suggestions for people who like India.
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/baby_names/4287922-Girls-name-ideas-similar-to-India

I think it’s a very pretty name. Do you know anyone who is from India, to ask them what they think? I know someone who called their daughter Ibiza (with a different spelling) which I do find odd, but then it’s not well known as a name, unlike India. It’s likely any adult named India now and in the public eye will be ancient history by the time your daughter is an adult, so if you love the name don’t worry about that.

Im of Indian background and I dont find it offensive. But yes, too many stupid people around of that name who have ruined it.

I don't think it has good associations - posh girls, India Knight, colonialism.

I love Indira and Indie though. I think either of those could be used.

I would go for Indie (Indy?) instead.

I think it sounds colonial.

That a boy’s name to me.

India is fine. Indigo is a girl's name too.
Both names show positive favour to things - one is a country (India) and one is a blue colour.
Indira is a lovely name and often used by Indian people. Are you Indian, Op?
There are names from other cultures you also might like ...
Indra
Indrukala
Indrakshi

Inigo is a boys' name. Inigo Jones was the first well known British architect.
Indiana is also a boys' name. Indiana Jones being very well known.

I know an Indiana who goes by Indy...really suits her.

I was curious how many Indias were named last that year in England and Wales and there was exactly 100, so still a fair amount of people using it.

It wasn't as popular as Indie though (339 of those, plus 42 spelt Indi) but more popular than Indigo (78), Indiana (62) and Indira (16)

I like it as a name and don6 find it particularly posh. Ive known 2 both lovely women neither posh..