Indie

♂ Boy

Pronounced IN-dee /ˈɪn.di/High

Meaning: From 'indie' (independent), and/or a short form of Indiana/India (from the Indus river); here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Free-spirited and cool: Indie evokes 'independent' — and Indiana/India. Breezy, artsy, and modern. Used for both sexes.

💕 Browse more names

Origin LowEnglish, American

MeaningFrom 'indie' (independent), and/or a short form of Indiana/India (from the Indus river); here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#5479 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 271

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Indie comes from 'indie' (short for independent, the indie spirit) and/or a short form of Indiana or India — from the Indus river, ultimately Sanskrit sindhu, 'river' (routes layered, which we note). A breezy, artsy, modern name, used for both sexes, here for boys.

It registers thinly for boys. Rare for boys, independent-or-from-the-Indus at the root, and artsy.

Did you know? Indie suggests 'independent' (the indie-music/film spirit) — and is a short form of Indiana or India (from the Indus river); a breezy, artsy name, used for both sexes (Indiana Jones).

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Indie — routes layered

Variations

IndyIndiIndiana

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Indie…

Indiana— the name it shortens

Arlo— a companion artsy modern name

Sonny— another breezy modern name

Ollie— a similarly popular pick

Freddie— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Indie

By themeuncertain english unisex place-name

By meaningSea / Water Freedom

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Indie mean?

Indie evokes 'independent', and shortens Indiana/India (from the Indus river); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Indie?

It's said IN-dee /ˈɪn.di/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Indie a boy or girl name?

Indie is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Indie?

Indie is rare for boys in the U.S.