Indie

Meaning & origin

Indie is a modern English name derived from 'independent,' reflecting a creative and free-spirited ethos. First recorded in 1959, it saw little use for decades before rising sharply from the 2000s onward. Its peak year was 2022, and as of 2025 it ranks 632 with a 1-in-3,502 birth rate. The trajectory has been steadily rising since 2000, particularly in states like North Dakota, West Virginia, and Arkansas. Indie is most often given to girls, though it remains a unisex choice, appealing to parents drawn to its association with independent art and music.

Indie emerged as a given name in the late 20th century, derived from the English word 'indie,' a shortening of 'independent,' often used in music and film to describe artists operating outside major labels. Some parents choose it as a nickname for India or Indiana. The name gained traction in the 2000s and has been rising steadily in popularity.