Holding steady.
Popularity of Kajal since 1978
Babies named Kajal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 18 |
| 1980s | 54 |
| 1990s | 206 |
| 2000s | 91 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Kajal entered U.S. naming records in 1978, reflecting the growing South Asian diaspora. Its peak year was 1996, when it saw its highest number of registrations. In recent years, the name has maintained a stable trajectory, neither surging nor declining sharply. While it has not cracked the top 1000 nationally and no top states are recorded, it remains a recognizable and culturally significant choice within Indian-American communities and beyond, tied to the traditional eyeliner that gives the name its meaning.
Kajal derives from Sanskrit 'kajjala' meaning 'lampblack' or 'soot', referring to the traditional eye cosmetic used in South Asia. The name has been common in India and among the diaspora, particularly in Hindu families, often chosen for its association with beauty and the striking dark eyes of a child. It gained modest popularity in the United States beginning in the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kaju, Kaj
Variants: Kajol, Kajalika, Kajali
Sibling names for Kajal
Names that share Kajal's style, for a brother or sister.
