raju

Raju is a masculine given name commonly used in India and among the Indian diaspora. It appears across linguistic regions such as Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, where it is often treated as a standalone name rather than a title.

The name derives from the Sanskrit raja, meaning king. The suffix -u in many Indian languages forms a diminutive or affectionate variant, leading to an interpretation of “little king” or “young prince.” In everyday use, however, Raju is typically a personal name without explicit royal connotations.

Raju appears in various contexts in Indian culture and literature and is used across social and regional groups. It can also function as a nickname or a shortened form of longer names that begin with Raj, though it is commonly given as a first name.

Notable individuals with the name include Raju Sundaram (born 1968), an Indian choreographer and film director known for work in Tamil cinema, and Raju Srivastava (1967–2022), a Hindi comedian and actor who gained prominence on television and live stage. These examples illustrate the name’s broad use in contemporary Indian society.

Overall, Raju remains a widely used, culturally resonant given name in South Asia and among expatriate communities, reflecting its historical roots in the word for king while functioning as a familiar, approachable personal name today.