Teja first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Teja has been for the last 39 years (from 1978 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Teja

A masculine Hindu name meaning "radiance" or "brightness".

Popularity of Teja by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Teja is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 89% of people named Teja being female.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Teja.

Year Male Count Female Count
2016 0 5
2015 0 7
2013 0 6
2012 0 6
2011 0 11
2010 0 10
2009 5 13
2008 6 11
2007 8 18
2006 6 14
2005 0 17
2004 0 38
2003 7 48
2002 9 75
2001 5 29
2000 7 22
1999 13 27
1998 7 33
1997 0 33
1996 0 22
1995 0 21
1994 0 17
1993 0 14
1992 0 14
1991 0 13
1990 0 8
1989 0 10
1988 0 9
1987 0 6
1985 0 7
1978 0 7

The history of the first name Teja

The name Teja has its roots in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "tejas," which means radiance, brilliance, or splendor. The name is believed to have been in use since ancient times, particularly among Hindu communities in the Indian subcontinent.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Teja can be found in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Puranas. These sacred texts, composed between the 3rd and 10th centuries CE, mention several mythological characters bearing the name Teja, often associated with divine attributes or celestial beings.

In the historical context, the name Teja has been borne by several notable individuals throughout the centuries. One of the earliest known figures was Teja Singh, a prominent leader of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. Born in 1780, he played a crucial role in the military campaigns of Ranjit Singh, the renowned Maharaja of the Sikh Empire.

Another significant figure was Teja Bahadur, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, who lived from 1621 to 1675. He is revered for his teachings on the principles of equality, justice, and religious tolerance, and his martyrdom is commemorated as a symbol of resistance against oppression.

In the realm of arts and literature, Teja Singh Arora (1917-1996) was a renowned Punjabi writer and playwright. His works, including novels, short stories, and plays, explored themes of social justice, human emotions, and the cultural heritage of Punjab.

In the field of sports, Teja Nair (born 1992) is an Indian cricketer who has represented the country in various international tournaments. Known for his all-round abilities, he has been a part of several successful campaigns for the Indian cricket team.

Teja Tsering (born 1963) is a prominent Tibetan activist and former political prisoner. He has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the Tibetan people and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the human rights situation in Tibet.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have borne the name Teja throughout history, each leaving their mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human endeavor.

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

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

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"Teja first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 16, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/teja-meaning-and-history/.

"Teja first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/teja-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 16 July, 2025

Teja first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/teja-meaning-and-history/.

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