Find out how popular the first name Anjan has been for the last 9 years (from 2005 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Anjan by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Anjan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Anjan.

The history of the first name Anjan

The name Anjan has its origins in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that was the root of many modern Indian languages. The name is believed to have emerged in the Indian subcontinent around the 5th century BCE. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "anjan," which means collyrium, a black eye cosmetic made from various herbs and minerals.

In Hindu mythology, the name is associated with Lord Shiva, who is often depicted with black collyrium around his eyes, representing his divine wisdom and detachment from the material world. This connection likely contributed to the name's popularity among Hindus, particularly in North India.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, where it is mentioned as the name of a prince from the Kuru dynasty. However, it is challenging to pinpoint the exact historical figure, as the epic is a blend of history, mythology, and legend.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Anjan. One of the most famous was Anjan Dutta (1935-2022), a renowned Indian filmmaker, playwright, and actor from West Bengal, whose works often explored socio-political themes and human relationships.

Another prominent figure was Anjan Sundaram (born 1976), an Indian journalist and author known for his award-winning book, "Stringer: A Reporter's Journey in the Congo," which provided a unique perspective on the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the field of music, Anjan Dutt (born 1953) is a celebrated Indian singer, songwriter, and film director from West Bengal, known for his contributions to Bengali culture and cinema.

Anjan Chakravartty (born 1968) is a notable Indian-Canadian philosopher and professor at the University of Miami, specializing in metaphysics, philosophy of science, and epistemology.

Another historical figure bearing the name was Anjan Srivastava (1935-2017), an Indian diplomat and author who served as India's ambassador to several countries, including Germany and Switzerland.

While the name Anjan has its roots in ancient Sanskrit and Hindu culture, it has transcended religious and cultural boundaries, with individuals from diverse backgrounds adopting it over the centuries.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Anjan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Anjan, please contact us.

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