ranjana

Ranjana is a feminine given name used in the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It is derived from Sanskrit roots such as ranj- meaning to please, delight, or color, with the suffix -ana forming a feminine name, conveying the idea of someone who is pleasing or charming. The name is commonly found in several South Asian languages and is used across Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist communities.

In usage, Ranjana is often understood as “delightful,” “pleasing,” or “one who brings joy.” The form appears in various linguistic traditions, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and Nepali, sometimes with regional variations in spelling and pronunciation. While primarily a given name, the term is also associated with cultural items such as the Ranjana script, a historic writing system used in Nepal and by Buddhist communities to render Sanskrit and mantras. The script, while sharing the same name, is a separate cultural reference from the personal name.

There are numerous individuals with the given name Ranjana across South Asia and its diaspora, including figures in literature, public life, and the arts. The name remains in regular use today, reflecting its enduring association with beauty and charm.

See also: Ranjan (a masculine given name); Ranjana script.