Kajal
Meaningkohl · Sanskrit
Kajal is an Indian girl name meaning “kohl”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Kajal would score 16 points, thanks largely to the J (worth 8).
- GenerationKajal peaked in 1996, which makes it a Millennial name. The typical Kajal you'd meet today is about 29 years old.
- HistoryKajal first shows up in US birth records in 1978, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 47 years since.
US births per million girls, 1978–2025
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Kajal
Kajal is a girl name of Indian origin meaning “kohl”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the consonant at the end gives it a confident finish. It hit its peak in the 1990s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Indian names
More Indian girl names
- Girl name: Maya · illusion
- Girl name: Lyla · night
- Unisex name: Arya · noble
- Girl name: Kali · black
- Girl name: Serena · calm, serene
- Girl name: Mira · wonderful
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Unisex name: Veda · knowledge
Questions about the name Kajal
What does the name Kajal mean?
Kajal means “kohl” and comes from Sanskrit.
What is the origin of the name Kajal?
Kajal is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Maya (“illusion”), Lyla (“night”), Arya (“noble”) and Kali (“black”).
Is Kajal a boy or girl name?
Kajal is a girl name.
How popular is the name Kajal?
Kajal is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2009. It peaked at #3,237 in 1996, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Kajal?
Kajal is an Indian girl name meaning “kohl”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.