Anjali is a feminine given name of Sanskrit origin, which means "grace" or "favor". It comes from the word 'anjali', which is composed of two parts: 'an' meaning 'towards' and 'jal' meaning 'to throw'. Thus, Anjali signifies the act of offering something with grace.
The name Anjali has a rich history in Indian culture and mythology. In Hindu mythology, Anjani was the monkey goddess who gave birth to Hanuman, the god monkey who is revered for his strength, courage, and devotion to Lord Rama. Therefore, Anjali is often considered as a symbol of divine favor and grace.
In India, it's customary to offer 'anjali' - a combination of flowers, rice, turmeric, and sandalwood powder - to God during puja (worship). This offering is made with reverence and humility, reflecting the essence of the name Anjali itself.
The name Anjali has gained international recognition due to its use in popular culture. For instance, it was used as the title for a Bollywood film released in 2005. The movie 'Anjaana Anjaani' translates to 'Unknown Unknown', highlighting the unpredictable nature of life's journey.
Today, Anjali is not only recognized and used within Indian communities worldwide but also by people who appreciate its meaning and sound irrespective of their cultural background. It has become a unisex name in recent times, although it is still more commonly associated with females.
The name Anjali has been popular among parents in the United States over the past several decades, with a total of 5,681 babies named Anjali since 1964. The popularity of the name has seen significant fluctuations over time.
In the early years, there were fewer than 10 births per year for girls named Anjali, with only 6 births in 1964 and 5 births each in 1965 and 1966. However, the number of births began to increase steadily starting in the late 1960s, reaching double digits for the first time in 1968 with 10 births.
The trend continued into the 1970s, with a significant spike in popularity in 1973 when there were 31 babies named Anjali born that year. The name's popularity remained high throughout the decade, with at least 20 births per year from 1974 to 1978.
The 1980s saw a further increase in the popularity of the name Anjali, with over 40 births per year every year except for one. The peak of this period was reached in 1983 with 48 births. This trend continued into the early 1990s, with over 50 births per year from 1992 to 1996.
The late 1990s and early 2000s marked a significant turning point in the popularity of the name Anjali. The number of births began to rise dramatically, reaching triple digits for the first time in 1999 with 202 births. This trend continued throughout the 2000s, with over 200 births per year every year from 2000 to 2010.
However, after reaching a peak of 255 births in 2005, the popularity of the name Anjali began to decline. The number of births fell below 200 per year starting in 2011, and continued to decrease throughout the 2010s. In recent years, there have been fewer than 100 births per year for girls named Anjali, with only 73 births recorded in 2023.
Despite this recent decline in popularity, the name Anjali remains a well-established choice among parents in the United States. With over 5,600 babies named Anjali since 1964, it is clear that many families have chosen this name for its unique sound and meaning. While the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time, its enduring appeal is evident in the thousands of girls who bear this beautiful name today.