Find out how popular the first name Raj has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Raj by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Raj is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 27 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Raj.

The history of the first name Raj

The name Raj originates from the Sanskrit word "rajah," which means king or ruler. It first appeared in ancient Hindu texts and scriptures, such as the Rigveda and the Mahabharata, dating back to around 1500 BCE.

In India, the name Raj has been associated with royalty and nobility for centuries. It was commonly used by members of the ruling classes and the aristocracy. The name's connection to power and authority can be traced back to the ancient Indian kingdoms and empires.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Raj is found in the Mahabharata, where it is mentioned as the name of a prince. The epic also refers to several kings and rulers with the name Raj or its variations, such as Rajendra and Rajasena.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Raj. One of the most famous is Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833), a Bengali Hindu renaissance man who played a pivotal role in the abolition of the practice of sati (widow burning) in British India.

Another prominent individual with the name Raj was Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906), an Indian painter and artist who is regarded as one of the greatest painters in the history of Indian art. His works were known for their realistic depictions of Indian mythology and culture.

In the 20th century, Raj Kapoor (1924-1988) was a legendary Indian actor, producer, and director who was a pioneer of the Hindi film industry. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential figures in the history of Indian cinema.

Raja Ramanna (1925-2004) was an Indian nuclear physicist who played a crucial role in India's nuclear program. He was the director of the Indian Atomic Energy Commission and was instrumental in the development of India's first nuclear weapon.

Raj Reddy (born 1937) is an Indian-American computer scientist who has made significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence. He was awarded the Turing Award, one of the highest honors in computer science, in 1994.

The name Raj has a rich history and a strong connection to power, royalty, and leadership in Indian culture and tradition. It has been borne by notable figures across various fields, including literature, art, cinema, science, and politics, making it a name with a significant cultural legacy.

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

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

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