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Indie Unisex

Popularity: #535 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: IN-dee /ˈɪn.di/

Origin: English; Latin

Meaning: English: independent; Latin: from India

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Indie is derived from the English word "independent," which itself originates from the Latin "independens," meaning "not hanging from" or "not relying on." The term evolved through Middle French as "indépendant" before being adopted into English. The use of Indie as a given name emerged in the late 20th century, reflecting a cultural shift towards valuing individuality and self-expression, particularly within artistic and musical communities.

The name's association with independence resonates with broader movements advocating for personal freedom and creativity. Historically, the concept of independence has been significant in various cultural contexts.

The term gained prominence during the Age of Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries, when ideas about personal liberty and autonomy were widely discussed. The American Declaration of Independence in 1776 further solidified the term's importance in Western culture.

While Indie as a name does not have direct biblical or royal associations, it embodies the spirit of autonomy that has been celebrated in various forms throughout history. Culturally, the name Indie is often linked to the independent music and film scenes, which gained traction in the late 20th century.

This connection has imbued the name with a sense of artistic freedom and nonconformity, appealing to those who value creativity outside mainstream norms. The diminutive form "Indy" has also emerged, often used affectionately, but the name Indie stands on its own as a symbol of individuality.

Overall, the name Indie reflects a broader cultural appreciation for independence and self-determination, resonating with historical movements that champion these ideals.

Famous people named Indie

Indie Arie is a singer-songwriter best known for Video, Brown Skin, and Ready for Love.
Indie Lee is an entrepreneur best known for founding Indie Lee & Co. and promoting clean beauty products.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Indie was first seen in the United States in 1959. Indie has ranked as high as #873 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in California, Utah, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. In the past 5 years the name Indie has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Indie (2024)

State Births Share
CA 36
9%
TX 31
7%
UT 27
6%
FL 24
6%
TN 22
5%
OH 21
5%
GA 16
4%
NC 15
4%
NY 15
4%
ID 14
3%
MO 14
3%
AZ 14
3%
IN 14
3%
OK 13
3%
KY 12
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19596
19605
19795
19955
200211
200311
200411
200523
200614
200744
200824
200933
201035
201156
201246
201362
201486
2015147
2016208
2017234
2018251
2019311
2020370
2021437
2022550
2023518
2024450