Raju
A boy's name of Sanskrit origin with 6 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
At 4 letters and two syllables, Raju is short enough to fit easily on forms, monograms, and classroom labels — no abbreviation needed. It has been used as a boy's name in the U.S. since 1972, with 6 total recorded births.
Raju is not in the current top 1,000, which means your child is unlikely to share the name with a classmate — a plus for parents who value distinctiveness.
Raju is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Raju is a boy's baby name of Sanskrit origin, a diminutive or familiar form of Raja, meaning 'king' or 'ruler.' Raju is widely used across South Asia — in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal — as both a given name and a nickname, carrying an affectionate, familiar quality despite its royal root.
In India, Raju is a beloved, unpretentious name — think of it as the South Asian equivalent of "Buddy" with a king's meaning. In the United States, it is found primarily in South Asian diaspora communities and is rare outside that context.
EtymologyShow more
The ending of a name often carries more etymological information than the beginning. Raju's final sounds are open, approachable — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. In English-language naming, masculine names frequently end on harder consonants or closed syllables, creating a sense of decisiveness and strength. Raju softens that pattern, giving it a more versatile feel.
Explore the ending-based name pages on this site to find names that share Raju's suffix pattern — names with similar endings often share a style and era, even when they come from different linguistic backgrounds.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Raju has 1+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1972.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 6 | — |
The Story of Raju
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1972, Raju is a Gen X staple. Boys named Raju are most likely born between 1972 and 1972.
How rare is Raju?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Raju is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1972, peaked in the 1970s with 6 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(1 years, 1972–1972)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 6 | #4845 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raju a boy's or girl's name?
When was Raju most popular?
How popular is the name Raju?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1972–1972