Neeraj
Meaninglotus · Sanskrit
Neeraj is an Indian boy name meaning “lotus”, 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 simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Neeraj would score 13 points, thanks largely to the J (worth 8).
- GenerationNeeraj peaked in 1974, which makes it a Gen X name. The typical Neeraj you'd meet today is about 51 years old.
- HistoryNeeraj first shows up in US birth records in 1970, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 55 years since.
US births per million boys, 1970–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Neeraj
Neeraj is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “lotus”. 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 1970s, 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 boy names
- Unisex name: Makai · toward the sea
- Boy name: Arjun · bright, shining
- Boy name: Zain · beauty, grace
- Unisex name: Idris · possibly studious
- Boy name: Aarav · peaceful, calm
- Unisex name: Rohan · ascending
- Unisex name: Aryan · noble
- Boy name: Ishaan · lord, ruler
Questions about the name Neeraj
What does the name Neeraj mean?
Neeraj means “lotus” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Ren (“often lotus”), Kamala (“lotus”), Kunal (“lotus; a bird”) and Arvind (“lotus”).
What is the origin of the name Neeraj?
Neeraj is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Makai (“toward the sea”), Arjun (“bright, shining”), Zain (“beauty, grace”) and Idris (“possibly studious”).
Is Neeraj a boy or girl name?
Neeraj is a boy name.
How popular is the name Neeraj?
Neeraj is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2017. It peaked at #2,799 in 1974, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Neeraj?
If you like Neeraj, you might also like Ren, Kamala, Kunal and Arvind.
What should I know before naming my baby Neeraj?
Neeraj is an Indian boy name meaning “lotus”, 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 simple to spell and say, 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.