For only the third time this decade, the quintessential Indian name Arjun made the list of top 500 baby names in the United States.
The 2015 annual report by the Social Security Administration ranked Arjun at 500, down 46 notches from 2014 and nine from 2012. The agency compiles data annually from all new social security card applications for babies born during the year.
Likewise, several Indian Muslim names make the top 1000 list, but they are equally or even more popular in Pakistan and other Arab and Muslim countries. Among the most popular is Muhammad and its variations, Mohammed, Mohammed and Mohamad, as well as Ahmed and Ahmad. Others include Khalil, Noor, Nasir, Yusuf, Amir, and Samir.
No exclusively Indian female names made the list in 2015, although Shreya (946) and Anjali (964) were last on it in 2005. However, several Indian names that are also popular with other ethnic groups are included in the rankings; but it is impossible to discern the proportion that are Indian. Maya, which is ranked 69, is a popular African American name, for instance. Other popular names, which are shared by other ethnic groups, include Tara, Mira, Mina, Kala, Anaya, Diya, Kali, Ashanti, Bodhi, Anika, Ayaan, Aryan, Vivaan, Avi, Arya, etc.
Nikhil was the first Indian name to crack the top 1000 list of baby names in the United States with a 999 ranking in 1997. It last was on the list in 2009. Rahul entered the list in 1998, but fell from favor in 2004. Aditya crept into the list in 1999, but it too dropped from the rankings in 2013.
Emma was the most popular name for girls and Noah for boys in 2015.
