Find out how popular the first name Neeraj has been for the last 44 years (from 1974 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Neeraj by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Neeraj is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Neeraj.

The history of the first name Neeraj

The name Neeraj has its origins in the Sanskrit language, which is an ancient Indian language that dates back thousands of years. It is derived from the Sanskrit words "nir" meaning "without" and "raj" meaning "dust" or "impurity." Thus, the name Neeraj can be interpreted to mean "one who is free from impurities" or "pure."

The name Neeraj has been mentioned in various ancient Hindu texts and scriptures, such as the Vedas and the Puranas. It is believed to have been used as a name for boys in ancient India, particularly among the Brahmin community, which was known for its emphasis on spiritual purity and knowledge.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Neeraj can be found in the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic that dates back to around the 8th century BCE. In the Mahabharata, there is a character named Neeraj who was a skilled warrior and a loyal friend of the Pandava princes.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Neeraj. One of the most famous was Neeraj Chopra, an Indian javelin thrower who won the gold medal in the men's javelin throw event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He was born in 1997 and hails from the state of Haryana, India.

Another notable Neeraj was Neeraj Kabi, an Indian actor known for his work in both film and theater. He was born in 1967 and has appeared in several critically acclaimed movies, including "Talvar" and "Byomkesh Bakshi."

In the field of literature, Neeraj Ghaywan is a renowned Indian film director and screenwriter. He made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film "Masaan" in 2015, which won several awards and accolades both nationally and internationally.

Neeraj Pandey is another prominent figure, known for his work as an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. He has directed several successful Bollywood films, including "A Wednesday," "Special 26," and "Baby."

Neeraj Chopra, the cricketer, was an Indian cricketer who played domestic cricket for Punjab and represented India in several Test matches and One Day Internationals in the 1980s and 1990s. He was born in 1961 and is considered one of the finest left-arm spinners in Indian cricket history.

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

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

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