Declining since 2019, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Rajah since 1951
Babies named Rajah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 0 | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 32 |
| 1980s | 0 | 35 |
| 1990s | 77 | 89 |
| 2000s | 64 | 89 |
| 2010s | 27 | 123 |
| 2020s | 7 | 70 |
Meaning & origin
Rajah is a rare unisex name of Sanskrit origin, meaning 'king' or 'ruler.' It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1951 and reached its peak popularity in 1994 when it ranked higher than in subsequent years. In 2025, its rank was 9,714, with an incidence of 1 in 244,011 births. The name has been slowly declining in use since 2019, placing it among less common choices. Historically used as a title for Indian princes, Rajah entered English-speaking naming traditions through colonial connections. Its sound and regal meaning give it a distinctive, cross-cultural appeal, though it remains an uncommon given name.
Rajah derives from the Sanskrit word rājan (राजन्), meaning 'king' or 'ruler'. It entered English through Hindi and Urdu during the British colonial period, originally as a title for Indian sovereigns and noblemen. As a given name, it gained modest usage in the United States from the mid-20th century onward, often chosen for its regal connotation.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Raj
Variants: Raja, Rajha
Sibling names for Rajah
Names that share Rajah's style, for a brother or sister.
