New York/India – November 6, 2025

India Witkin, a 29-year-old social media creator, recently shared the story behind her unusual name, reflecting on her journey from childhood embarrassment to adult pride. Born in the United States to Indian parents, India grew up navigating a complex mix of cultural expectations, often finding herself caught between teasing from her peers in America and endless questions about her name when visiting India.

In a viral video shared on Instagram, India described her “love-hate relationship” with her name. She recalled being teased by classmates in the US for having a name that stood out, while in India, she frequently faced curiosity and sometimes confusion from others asking about the origins and meaning of her name. “I cared too much about what people thought and never appreciated the uniqueness of my name,” she said.

The name, however, was chosen with deep meaning. A week before her birth, her grandmother casually suggested naming her India, and her parents decided to follow her advice. “My nani suggested the name because it would always remind me of where I came from,” India explained. She now sees her name as a tribute to the country’s rich culture and heritage, a reflection of the vast and beautiful traditions that shaped her family.

India shared that it wasn’t until she turned 18 and began writing college essays that she started embracing her name. Over time, she learned to appreciate its uniqueness and the personal story behind it. Today, she feels immense gratitude toward her grandmother and parents for giving her a name that is both meaningful and distinctive.

Her experience highlights the challenges of growing up between two cultures. On one hand, she faced the American tendency to tease anything different; on the other, she encountered curiosity and sometimes judgment in India. This duality helped her eventually recognize the importance of her identity and the pride that comes with a name that carries personal and cultural significance.

Sharing her story has resonated with many online, inspiring people to embrace their own unique names and identities. India’s journey from embarrassment to self-acceptance reflects a broader lesson about the value of individuality and cultural roots. She now encourages others to find pride in their names and the stories they carry, celebrating heritage and personal history in a world that often favors conformity.

Through her openness, India Witkin has turned what once felt like a burden into a powerful symbol of identity, culture, and self-love, showing that the name we are given can become a source of pride and connection to our origins.

 Indian Named India Shares the Story Behind Her Unique Name and Childhood Journey

India Witkin, a 29-year-old social media creator, recently opened up about growing up with her unusual name and the journey from embarrassment to pride. Born in the United States to Indian parents, India faced teasing in school for her distinctive name, while in India she was constantly questioned about it. In a viral Instagram video, she described having a “love-hate relationship” with her name, admitting that she cared too much about what others thought and struggled to appreciate its uniqueness.

The story behind her name is heartwarming. Just a week before her birth, her grandmother casually suggested naming her India, and her parents followed her advice. The name was meant to serve as a reminder of her roots and a tribute to India’s rich and vast culture. Over time, India began to embrace the significance of her name, especially when she reached adulthood and wrote about it in her college essays. Today, she expresses deep gratitude to her grandmother and parents for giving her a name that carries meaning, identity, and heritage.

Her story has inspired many to celebrate their own unique names and cultural backgrounds. India’s journey reminds us that individuality and personal history can be a source of pride and connection to one’s roots, transforming challenges into strength and identity.