Viraj

♂ Boy

Pronounced vih-RAHJ /vɪˈrɑːdʒ/High

Meaning: Shining; brilliant; radiant; from Sanskrit viraj (shining, luminous, radiant; also the cosmic man of Vedic cosmology)High

In 30 seconds: A Sanskrit name meaning 'shining' or 'brilliant,' from viraj (radiant, luminous). In Vedic cosmology, Viraj is a primordial cosmic being from whom all creatures were born — giving the name both luminous and cosmological significance.

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Origin HighSanskrit

MeaningShining; brilliant; radiant; from Sanskrit viraj (shining, luminous, radiant; also the cosmic man of Vedic cosmology)

U.S. rank (2024)#1146 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births183 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,792

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Viraj derives from Sanskrit viraj (shining, brilliant, radiant). In the Rigveda (one of the world's oldest texts), Viraj is a cosmological figure representing primordial brilliance and the creative principle. As a given name it is used in Hindu communities.

Viraj ranked #1146 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Viraj appears in the Rigveda as the cosmic primordial being created by Purusha (the cosmic person) — from Viraj, Purusha himself was born, creating the philosophical paradox of which came first. This cyclical creation myth makes Viraj one of the oldest names in world literature.

Overall data confidence 89%

Behind the Name — Viraj — Sanskrit etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

VirajVirage

Nicknames

Vir

Famous Bearers

★Viraj (Rigveda) (mythological)
A primordial cosmic being in Vedic cosmology, described in the Rigveda's Purusha Sukta as a creative principle from whom living beings emerged.

If you like Viraj…

Aarav— Sanskrit name meaning peaceful in the same South Asian tradition

Vivaan— Sanskrit name meaning full of life in the same tradition

Kiran— Sanskrit name meaning ray of light, in the same luminous category

Arjun— Sanskrit hero name from Mahabharata in the same tradition

Pratik— Sanskrit name in the same South Asian naming space

Frequently Asked

What does the name Viraj mean?

Viraj means 'shining,' 'brilliant,' or 'radiant' in Sanskrit. In the Rigveda, Viraj is a cosmological being representing primordial luminous creativity.

How do you pronounce Viraj?

It's said vih-RAHJ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Viraj a boy or girl name?

Viraj is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Viraj?

Viraj ranked #1146 for U.S. boys in 2024.