Indira

Indira is a female given name of Indian origin. It derives from Sanskrit and is associated with the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, commonly interpreted as signaling beauty, splendor, or prosperity. The name is widely used in India and among the Indian diaspora, and it appears in various spellings and forms.

In cultural and linguistic contexts, Indira is primarily a Hindu name but is used by people of diverse backgrounds in South Asia and beyond. It can be a standalone given name or part of longer names, and its popularity has persisted through several generations, including during the mid-20th century when it gained international recognition through public figures.

Notable people with the name include Indira Gandhi (1917–1984), who served as Prime Minister of India and played a central role in Indian politics during the 1960s and 1970s. Indira Goswami (1942–2011), an Indian writer who published under the name Mamoni Raisom Goswami and is celebrated for her contributions to Assamese literature. Indira Varma (born 1973), a British actress of Indian heritage known for roles in television and film.

The name Indira has also been used in the naming of prominent institutions and facilities in India, many honoring Indira Gandhi. Examples include the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and the Indira Gandhi National Open University, a major center for distance education in India.

Overall, Indira remains a recognized given name with cultural ties to Sanskrit heritage and Indian religious and literary traditions.