Naje
Primarily a girl's name of Arabic origin with 111 recorded births. Also given to 37 boys.
Meaning & Origin
If you're considering Naje, you're looking at a name that fewer than 111 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.
The open, approachable ending gives Naje a crisp, modern feel that pairs easily with most surnames.
Naje is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Naje is a girl's and boy's baby name of Arabic origin, from the Arabic naja meaning 'to succeed, to be saved, to escape danger.' It carries connotations of salvation, success, and deliverance.
Naje has the clean, minimalist quality of two-syllable Arabic names with a beautifully aspirational meaning. Used in Arab communities, it projects the hope that the child will overcome every challenge and succeed at whatever they pursue.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Naje is a girl's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (1993–2005). Its Arabic roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 111 total births, Naje exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Naje has 12+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1993.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 42 | #12894 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 69 | #10006 | — |
The Story of Naje
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1996, Naje is a Millennial-era classic. Girls named Naje are most likely born between 1993 and 2005.
How rare is Naje?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Naje is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1993, peaked in the 1990s with 69 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Naje by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(12 years, 1993–2005)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | #18344 |
| 2003 | 5 | #17569 |
| 2002 | 9 | #10826 |
| 2001 | 13 | #8057 |
| 2000 | 10 | #9672 |
| 1999 | 7 | #12267 |
| 1998 | 12 | #7881 |
| 1997 | 15 | #6397 |
| 1996 | 15 | #6284 |
| 1995 | 9 | #9312 |
| 1994 | 5 | #14990 |
| 1993 | 6 | #12910 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Naje as a Boy's Name
Though more common for girls, Naje has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 37 births since 1994.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Naje a boy's or girl's name?
When was Naje most popular?
How popular is the name Naje?
Can Naje be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1993–2005