Iraj is a name of Persian origin, derived from the Middle Persian word "Irāz" which means "smitten" or "in love". The name Iraj has a significant historical background in Persian culture and literature.
In the epic poem known as the Shahnameh by Ferdowsi, Iraj is one of the three sons of Faridun, the legendary king of Iran. He was revered for his wisdom and justice. However, he was eventually betrayed and murdered by his brothers, which led to a period of civil strife in Iran.
The name Iraj also appears in other works of Persian literature. In the Divan of Hafez, one of the most famous collections of poetry in the Persian language, there is a poem that begins with "Iraj-e man, dar ghariban ast" which translates to "My Iraj is among the strangers."
In modern times, Iraj has become popular as both a given name and surname. It can be spelled in various ways such as Iradj, Iradj, or even Eradz, but it remains a distinctly Persian name that carries with it a rich history and cultural significance.
The name Iraj has seen a modest but consistent presence in the United States over the past few decades. According to annual birth statistics, there were 5 babies named Iraj in 1999, indicating that this name was already being used within the community at that time.
Between 2000 and 2004, the number of births with the name Iraj appears to have been relatively stable, as no data is available for these years. However, in 2005, there were 6 babies named Iraj, suggesting a slight increase in popularity during this period.
Interestingly, the trend reversed itself between 2005 and 2015, with only 5 births recorded under the name Iraj in 2015. This decrease could indicate that the name has become less popular over time or that it has simply fallen out of favor within certain communities.
Overall, when considering the total number of births for the name Iraj in the United States from 1999 to 2015, we see a figure of 16. While this is not an exceptionally large number, it does demonstrate that the name has maintained a steady, if small, presence over the years.
It's important to note that these statistics are based on available records and may not capture every instance of the name Iraj being given at birth during these years. Nonetheless, they provide valuable insights into its historical usage in the United States.
As with any name, the popularity of Iraj can be influenced by various factors such as cultural trends, personal preferences, or even the desire to honor family members or figures from history and literature. Regardless of why parents choose this name for their children, these statistics show that Iraj has been a part of the American naming landscape for at least two decades.