Manoj is a name of Indian origin, specifically from the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is derived from two Sanskrit words: 'Mana' which means mind or intellect, and 'jotis' which means light or radiance. Therefore, the name Manoj translates to "radiant intellect" or "illuminated mind."
According to Hindu mythology, Manoj is also associated with the story of Prince Mandoor, son of King Dharmaraja of Kashi. The prince was known for his intelligence and wisdom, qualities that are reflected in the meaning of the name.
In India, Manoj has been a popular choice for boys' names for generations, and it is often given to children with the hope that they will grow up to be intelligent and enlightened individuals. It is also believed that people named Manoj possess strong analytical skills and are able to solve complex problems with ease.
Today, the name Manoj continues to be a popular choice among Indian families, both in India and around the world. It is often chosen for its positive meaning and cultural significance, as well as its unique sound and spelling.
The name Manoj has seen a varied trend of popularity in the United States over the past several decades. Between 1964 and 2008, there were a total of 224 babies named Manoj born each year.
In the early years, the name's popularity fluctuated significantly. In 1964, only 5 babies were named Manoj. However, this number more than doubled in just three years to reach a peak of 13 births in both 1974 and 1977.
The popularity of the name then started to decline gradually from the late 1970s onwards. From 1982 to 1986, there were an average of just over 7 Manoj births per year. This trend continued into the late 1990s and early 2000s with around 6-9 babies named Manoj each year.
Despite this steady decline in popularity over time, it is clear that the name Manoj has had a consistent presence in the United States for at least five decades.