NameCensus.

UK boy's name

Wahaj

A masculine Arabic name signifying radiance or illustrious light.

For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.

Wahaj is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Wahaj popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #2671, with 8 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2023, with 15 births.

This profile covers 52 England and Wales registrations across 10 recorded years from 2000 to 2024. 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 53% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.

We estimate that about 52 living people in the UK are called Wahaj. 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 2025 or 2026.

Key insights

  • Wahaj ranked #2671 for boys in England and Wales in 2024, with 8 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 2023, when 15 boys were registered as Wahaj.
  • About 52 living people in the UK are estimated to have Wahaj as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#2671

2024

Births in 2024

8

Latest year

Peak year

2023

15 births

Estimated living

52

2026

Meaning

What does Wahaj mean?

The name Wahaj finds its origins in the Arabic language and culture, with roots that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Arabic word "wahaj," which means "radiant" or "brilliant." The name carries connotations of brightness, luminosity, and a sense of enlightenment.

In the Islamic tradition, the name Wahaj is often associated with spiritual enlightenment and guidance. Some scholars suggest that the name may have been inspired by passages in the Quran that speak of the divine light or the radiance of faith. However, there are no direct historical references to the name in religious scriptures or ancient texts.

The earliest recorded use of the name Wahaj can be found in medieval Arabic poetry and literature. One notable example is the 12th-century poet and philosopher Ibn Wahaj al-Andalusi, who was born in Seville, Spain, and is celebrated for his contributions to the fields of mathematics and astronomy.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Wahaj. One such figure is Wahaj al-Din Ahmad Sirhindi, a renowned Sufi scholar and mystic who lived in the 16th and 17th centuries in present-day India. He played a significant role in the revival of Islamic spirituality and is revered for his teachings on the purification of the soul.

Another prominent figure was Wahaj al-Din Yahya, a 13th-century Persian poet and scholar from Shiraz, Iran. His works, which explored themes of love, mysticism, and spiritual enlightenment, have left a lasting impact on Persian literature.

In the realm of literature, Wahaj Ahmed was a celebrated Pakistani writer and playwright who lived from 1932 to 2017. His plays and short stories explored social issues and the human condition, earning him numerous accolades and recognition as one of Pakistan's most influential literary figures.

Wahaj Mirza, born in 1950, is a renowned Pakistani artist and sculptor known for his massive public sculptures and installations. His works, often inspired by Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns, have been exhibited internationally and have earned him widespread acclaim.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the name Wahaj throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural heritage and intellectual discourse.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Wahaj over time

The chart below shows babies named Wahaj registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2000 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.

For Wahaj, the clearest high point is 2023. The latest England and Wales figure is 8 births in 2024, compared with 15 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Wahaj
0481115200020122024

Decades

Wahaj by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Wahaj 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
2020s #2830 33 4
2010s #4541 13 4
2000s #3782 6 2

Related

Names similar to Wahaj

FAQ

Wahaj: questions and answers

How popular is the name Wahaj in the UK right now?

In 2024, Wahaj was ranked #2671 for boys in England and Wales, with 8 births registered.

When was Wahaj most popular?

The peak year on record was 2023, with 15 babies registered as Wahaj in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Wahaj?

A masculine Arabic name signifying radiance or illustrious light.

How many people are called Wahaj in the UK?

A total of 52 babies have been registered as Wahaj across the 10 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.