The baby name Neerja is a Female name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced NEER-juh (IPA: /ˈniːr.dʒə/).
The baby name Neerja is a Female name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced NEER-juh (IPA: /ˈniːr.dʒə/).
Neerja is Hindi, Sanskrit in Origin.
Neerja derives from Sanskrit nīra (water) + ja (born), literally “water-born,” a poetic term for the lotus. In South Asian thought the lotus signifies purity, grace, spiritual awakening, and resilience - virtues often linked to this name. The older Sanskrit feminine form Nīrājā appears in classical literature as a word for lotus and, by association, can reference lotus-linked goddesses.
As a given name, Neerja gained wider modern use across India in the 20th century. Spellings vary by language: Neeraja is common in southern and pan-Indic contexts, while the streamlined Hindi-influenced Neerja is widespread; rarer forms include Nirja and Niraja. The masculine cognate is Neeraj. Contemporary recognition was boosted by Neerja Bhanot (1963–1986), honored for her heroism, and the 2016 biographical film Neerja. Overall, the name conveys serene beauty and strength blossoming from challenging depths.
Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.
| Country | Gender | Year | Rank | Born | of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP | Girls | 0 | #250 | 2 | 6,592 |
| SG | 0 | #282 | 1 | 11,010 | |
| MU | Girls | 0 | #362 | 1 | 8,539 |
| BH | 0 | #586 | 2 | 17,937 | |
| AE | Girls | 0 | #591 | 7 | 20,968 |
| IN | Girls | 0 | #598 | 34 | 13,121 |
| SG | Girls | 0 | #629 | 4 | 18,916 |
| HK | Girls | 0 | #650 | 1 | 16,104 |
| SA | Girls | 0 | #1,013 | 2 | 25,931 |
| IN | Boys | 0 | #1,035 | 5 | 16,750 |
| ZA | Girls | 0 | #1,236 | 1 | 25,928 |
| SA | Boys | 0 | #1,691 | 1 | 28,008 |
Neerja is popular in 9 countries — most recent births per country:
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