MallowbyNames

Niraj

नीरजnee-RAHJ · Water, river, or moisture; often interpreted as 'pure' or 'clean'.

Peak popularity
1991
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Niraj since 1970

Babies named Niraj per year in U.S. Social Security records.

61117198020002020Most births 1991Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1970s76
1980s108
1990s89
2000s29
2010s29
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Niraj is a masculine name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'born of water,' an epithet for the lotus flower. It has long been favored by Hindu families in India and among the Indian diaspora. In the United States, Social Security records show the name was first recorded in 1970. Its peak year was 1991, after which usage declined. The trajectory has been stable in recent decades, with a plateau in new registrations. The name did not rank in the top 1000 for any given year, and its 1-in-N incidence is not available due to low frequency. Despite its rarity, Niraj remains a culturally rich choice that connects to nature and Hindu tradition.

Niraj (नीरज) is a Sanskrit compound of nīra (water) and -ja (born or produced), literally meaning 'born of water'. It is an epithet for the lotus flower, which grows in water, and is also used as a masculine given name in India. The name has been common among Hindu families for centuries.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Niru, Raj

Variants: Neeraj, Niraj

Sibling names for Niraj

Names that share Niraj's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Anjali, Priya, Deepa, Ritu, Kavita

Brothers: Rahul, Amit, Vijay, Sanjay, Anil

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

N is for Niraj, our favorite little boy.

N is for Niraj…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Niraj's letter becomes Niraj's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Niraj's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Niraj mean?
Niraj means 'born of water' in Sanskrit, often referring to the lotus flower. It connotes purity and cleanliness.
How popular is the name Niraj?
Niraj peaked in popularity in 1991 according to U.S. Social Security data. It has not ranked in the top 1000 in recent years and is considered rare.
Is Niraj a boy's or girl's name?
Niraj is predominantly a masculine name, though it may be used for girls as a variant of Neeraja.