Rajinder

Rajinder is a masculine given name of Sanskrit origin commonly used in India and among the Indian diaspora. The name is a compound of the elements "raja" (राष्ट्र) meaning "king" or "ruler" and "indra" (इन्द्र), the name of the king of the gods in Vedic mythology. Thus, Rajinder is traditionally interpreted as "Lord of the Royal Realm" or "Kingdom." Variants of the name include Rajendra, Rajendran, and Raghunand. The name was popularized during the early twentieth century and is still widely used in many Indian languages including Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Bengali.

Rajinder is often utilized as a standalone given name or as part of a longer compound such as Rajinder Singh or Rajinder Kumar. The name is associated with virtues such as leadership, courage, and cultural heritage. In contemporary times, the name has been carried by several notable figures in politics, sports, and the arts. For example, Rajinder Singh is a former Indian field hockey player who represented India in the 1972 Munich Olympics; Rajinder Kaur is a prominent Punjabi poet known for her focus on social issues; and Rajinder Singh Dhillon is a former Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. While the name has no direct relation to a particular religion, it is pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable: "RAH-jin-der."

In modern India, Rajinder is used across diverse socio-economic groups and is considered a strong, traditional choice for newborn boys. The name appears frequently in popular literature and film dialogue, often symbolizing a protagonist embodying leadership qualities. Its simple, classic form continues to appeal to parents who seek a name that reflects cultural identity while maintaining an international resonance.