MallowbyNames

Suraj

SOO-rahj · Sun, sunlight

2025 rank (boys)
#6,446
Babies named in 2025
13
Peak popularity
2003
2025 frequency
1 in 131,390 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2022

Rising since 2022, #6,446 for boys today.

Popularity of Suraj since 1975

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

183654198020002020Most births 2003Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1970s38
1980s106
1990s321
2000s378
2010s200
2020s56

Meaning & origin

Suraj, meaning 'sun', is a name with deep roots in Sanskrit and Hindu culture. It has been used in the United States since at least 1975, though its popularity peaked in 2003. In 2025, it ranked 6,446, a relatively uncommon name with 1 in 131,390 boys receiving it that year. The name has shown a rising trend since 2022, suggesting a modest increase in appeal. While it lacks top-state concentration, Suraj remains a meaningful choice for families honoring Indian heritage, connecting a child to the life-giving sun.

Suraj comes directly from the Sanskrit word सूर्य (surya), meaning 'sun'. It is a common masculine given name in India, Nepal, and among Hindu communities worldwide. The name has been used for centuries, reflecting the sun's importance in Hindu culture as a source of life and light.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Sura, Raj

Variants: Surya, Soorya

Sibling names for Suraj

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

Sisters: Ananya, Kavya, Priya, Riya, Sneha

Brothers: Aarav, Arjun, Ishaan, Rohan, Vikram

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

S is for Suraj, our favorite little boy.

S is for Suraj…”

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

Make Suraj's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Suraj mean?
Suraj means 'sun' or 'sunlight' in Sanskrit.
How popular is the name Suraj?
Suraj has been in use in the United States since at least 1975. In 2025, it ranked 6,446, with about 1 in 131,390 baby boys given the name that year.
Is Suraj a boy's name or a girl's name?
Suraj is traditionally a masculine name.