raj

Raj is a masculine given name and, less commonly, a surname in the Indian subcontinent. It derives from the Sanskrit word rāj, meaning king or ruler. In English transliteration, the name is often spelled Raj, and it is historically linked to the title rājā. The term appears in compound titles such as maharaja (great king) and rajya (state or government). In modern contexts, Raj is used both as a standalone name and as a shortened form of longer names like Rajesh, Rajendra, or Rajkumar.

As a given name, Raj is common across India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and among diaspora communities. It is used across religions and languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Marathi, Tamil, and Bengali communities. The spelling Raj is also found as a surname in some traditions where naming patterns blend given names with family identifiers.

Notable uses: The name appears among many figures in politics, film, and sports, as well as in fictional characters across Indian media. The simplicity of the name and its royal associations contribute to its enduring popularity in South Asian naming traditions.