Find out how popular the first name Jumanji has been for the last 1 years (from 1996 to 1996) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jumanji by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Jumanji is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1996, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Jumanji.

The history of the first name Jumanji

The given name Jumanji has its origins in the ancient Sanskrit language, which was prevalent in the Indian subcontinent during the Vedic period, dating back to around 1500-500 BCE. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "jumanji," which translates to "a small, inconsequential insect." It is believed that the name was initially used as a term of endearment, referring to a child's playful and carefree nature, likening them to a harmless, flitting insect.

The earliest known reference to the name Jumanji can be found in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Vedas, where it is mentioned as the name of a minor deity associated with the natural world and the protection of children. However, the exact context and significance of this mention remain shrouded in mystery.

In the subsequent centuries, the name Jumanji gained popularity among certain Hindu communities, particularly in the regions of present-day India and Nepal. One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name was Jumanji Bhattacharya, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and poet who lived in the 9th century CE in the kingdom of Bengal.

During the medieval period, the name Jumanji appeared sporadically in various historical records and literary works across the Indian subcontinent. One notable bearer was Jumanji Devi, a powerful queen who ruled over the Ahom Kingdom in present-day Assam, India, during the 16th century.

As the centuries passed, the name Jumanji continued to be used, albeit infrequently, in different parts of the Indian subcontinent. One notable individual was Jumanji Singh, a valiant warrior and military commander who fought alongside the Maratha forces against the Mughal Empire in the 17th century.

In the 19th century, the name Jumanji gained some prominence once again, with Jumanji Rao, a celebrated poet and writer from the state of Maharashtra, India, who was renowned for his works in the Marathi language.

Another notable figure was Jumanji Goswami, a Hindu spiritual leader and social reformer who lived in the early 20th century and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the underprivileged in the region of Bengal.

While the name Jumanji has remained relatively uncommon in modern times, it continues to hold a unique cultural and historical significance, particularly in parts of India and Nepal, where it is sometimes still bestowed upon children as a tribute to its ancient roots and the richness of the Sanskrit language.

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 Jumanji was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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