MallowbyNames

Teja

TAY-jah · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Teja (Sanskrit 'bright') or a short form of names like Tejal or Tejas.

Peak popularity
2002
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Teja since 1978

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

255075198020002020Most births 2002GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1970s70
1980s320
1990s20220
2000s28553
2010s450
2020s00

Meaning & origin

Teja is a rare name in the United States, first appearing in Social Security records in 1978. Its peak year of usage was 2002, and it has remained stable since then, never ranking in the top 1000. The name is likely of Sanskrit origin, derived from 'tejas' meaning brightness or brilliance, and is predominantly given to girls. Despite its rarity, Teja carries a modern, multicultural appeal, blending Indian heritage with contemporary American naming trends.

Teja likely derives from Sanskrit तेजस् (tejas), meaning 'brightness, brilliance, sharpness.' It may also be a feminine variant of Teja, a unisex name popular in India. The name gained modern usage in the United States starting in the late 1970s, but it remains rare, never cracking the top 1000.

Sibling names for Teja

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

Sisters: Anika, Maya, Riya, Sonia, Tara

Brothers: Arjun, Kiran, Nikhil, Ravi, Vikram

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

T is for Teja, our favorite little girl.

“T is for Teja…”

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

Make Teja's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Teja mean?
Teja is likely of Sanskrit origin, meaning 'brightness' or 'brilliance.' It may also be a short form of names like Tejal or Tejas.
How popular is the name Teja?
Teja has never been a common name in the United States. It was first recorded in 1978 and peaked in 2002, but it has never ranked in the top 1000. As of 2025, it remains rare.
Is Teja a boy's or girl's name?
Teja is typically used for girls in the United States, though in India it is often unisex. The Social Security data from 1978 onward records it predominantly for females.