UK boy's name
Rajeev
A masculine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "pre-eminent" or "king.".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2002. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Rajeev is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Rajeev popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2002 in this profile. In that release it ranked #2636, with 4 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 1998, with 7 births.
This profile covers 16 England and Wales registrations across 3 recorded years from 1996 to 2002. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 57% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 16 living people in the UK are called Rajeev. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2003 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Rajeev ranked #2636 for boys in England and Wales in 2002, with 4 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 1998, when 7 boys were registered as Rajeev.
- • About 16 living people in the UK are estimated to have Rajeev as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#2636
2002
Births in 2002
4
Latest year
Peak year
1998
7 births
Estimated living
16
2026
Meaning
What does Rajeev mean?
The name Rajeev originates from the Sanskrit language and has its roots in ancient Indian culture and tradition. It is believed to have derived from the Sanskrit word "Raja," which means "king" or "ruler." The name Rajeev can be interpreted as "one who is like a king" or "one who possesses kingly qualities."
The earliest recorded usage of the name Rajeev can be traced back to ancient Indian texts and scriptures. It was not uncommon for individuals to be named after virtuous qualities or aspirations, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent. The name Rajeev carries a sense of nobility, power, and leadership, making it a popular choice for parents seeking to instill these attributes in their children.
One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Rajeev was Rajeev Rishi, a renowned sage and scholar who lived during the Vedic period, approximately between 1500 BCE and 500 BCE. Rajeev Rishi was highly respected for his wisdom and contributions to the field of philosophy and spiritual teachings.
In more recent times, the name Rajeev has been borne by several notable individuals across various fields. Rajeev Gandhi, born in 1944 and assassinated in 1991, was an Indian politician and former Prime Minister of India. His legacy and impact on the country's political landscape remain significant.
Another prominent figure with the name Rajeev was Rajeev Rana, an Indian lawyer and human rights activist who fought tirelessly for the rights of marginalized communities. He lived from 1956 to 2022 and was widely recognized for his work in promoting social justice and equality.
In the realm of literature, Rajeev Rajan, born in 1961, is a celebrated Indian writer and poet known for his poignant works that explore various aspects of human experience and emotions.
Rajeev Jindal, born in 1970, is a successful Indian businessman and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the steel and power industries. His entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen have earned him recognition both within India and internationally.
These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Rajeev throughout history, each leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human endeavor.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Rajeev over time
The chart below shows babies named Rajeev registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2002. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Rajeev, the clearest high point is 1998. The latest England and Wales figure is 4 births in 2002, compared with 7 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Rajeev by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Rajeev was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | #2636 | 4 | 1 |
| 1990s | #1831 | 12 | 2 |
Related
Names similar to Rajeev
- Ryan 68,692
- Riley 37,992
- Robert 27,462
- Reuben 25,122
- Rhys 24,418
- Reece 24,329
- Rory 21,870
- Roman 16,609
- Ronnie 16,445
- Reggie 14,684
- Rowan 14,371
- Ralph 8,892
FAQ
Rajeev: questions and answers
How popular is the name Rajeev in the UK right now?
In 2002, Rajeev was ranked #2636 for boys in England and Wales, with 4 births registered.
When was Rajeev most popular?
The peak year on record was 1998, with 7 babies registered as Rajeev in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Rajeev?
A masculine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "pre-eminent" or "king.".
How many people are called Rajeev in the UK?
A total of 16 babies have been registered as Rajeev across the 3 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.