Place names are apparently all the rage, at least for girls—among the top movers and shakers, five place names jumped more than 100 spots in popularity. And one of the biggest jumpers was U.K. favorite India, which leaped 240 places and finally entered the top 1000 here in the U.S.
India is, of course, one of the most populous countries on the planet, with more than 1 billion people, one with a rich and interesting history and culture—and it gives this name a touch of its timeless grandeur. Thanks to its long-standing popularity in the U.K. (and the U.K.'s once-upon-a-time rule of the country), it also feels vaguely British, too.
It was the name of Ashley Wilkes' disapproving sister in Gone With the Wind, but it's likely India achieved its newfound popularity because Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky picked it for their eldest daughter. Celebs like singer Sarah McLachlan and Miramax honcho Harvey Weinstein also favored it for their daughters.
India needs a special middle name—no Jane or Anne for this one. Chris and Elsa paired it with Rose, Harvey picked Pearl, both of which would be lovely with it. I'd also like it with Jade, Scarlett, Violet, and Charlotte.
What do you think of the name India? Is it ready for the big time here in the U.S.?
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