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Kajal
Pronounced KAH-jal /ΛkΙΛ.dΚΙl/Medium
Meaning: Kajal is an Indian name from the Hindi and Sanskrit word kajal, meaning 'kohl' β the traditional black eyeliner used across South Asia. As a name it evokes dark, beautiful eyes, and it is well known through the Bollywood actress Kajol.Medium
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Kajal comes directly from the Hindi and Sanskrit-derived word kajal, 'kohl', the soft black cosmetic worn around the eyes throughout South Asia for centuries. As a girl's name it carries the sense of dark, expressive eyes and is a familiar, everyday name in India, borne notably by the acclaimed actress Kajol (a spelling variant). In the United States it arrived with Indian immigrant families.
Kajal appears in the U.S. record from the late 1970s and reached its small peak in 1996 among the growing Indian-American community before easing off. A woman named Kajal from that peak is now in her late twenties or thirties. Its rarity here reflects a specific heritage rather than a fading trend, and for South Asian families it remains a warm, recognizable name with a clear meaning.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Kajal mean?
Kajal is a Hindi and Sanskrit name from the word for 'kohl' or 'eyeliner', evoking beautiful dark eyes.
How do you pronounce Kajal?
It's said KAH-jal /ΛkΙΛ.dΚΙl/ β two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Kajal a boy or girl name?
Kajal is used as a girl's name.
How popular is Kajal?
Kajal has always been rare in the U.S., borne mainly by Indian-American families since the late twentieth century.