Meraj

male

Origin

Persian (Farsi) and Arabic roots; derived from the Middle Persian name 'Merāj' and the Arabic word 'marāj' meaning 'ascension' or 'rise'. The name has historical mentions in Persian literature and Islamic texts, and is also used by Muslim communities worldwide, including in Australia due to migration. Not specific to Aboriginal or Māori languages.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'ascension' or 'rise'. In Australian English contexts, it connotes spiritual or personal elevation, often symbolising aspiration or achievement.

Pronunciation

/mɛˈrɑːdʒ/ — emphasis on the second syllable, with a soft 'j' as in 'judge'. Australian English pronunciation may soften vowel sounds slightly, but core stress remains on the second syllable.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Merāj (Persian script: مرج)
  • Miraaj, Miraj (alternative spellings)
  • Mehrāj (Persian variant)

Nicknames

  • Mer
  • Raj

Name Days

  • 10 May (Ascension of Jesus in Christian calendars)
  • 15 August (Assumption of Mary, Christian feast day)
  • Islamic lunar date varies with Hijri calendar — 27 Ramadan (Night of Ascension)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with meraj:

  • Omar and Amir, for complementary Middle Eastern roots
  • Liam and Noah, popular in Australian multicultural contexts
  • Mateo and Luca, globally popular boy names in Australia

Fun Facts

  • The name Meraj is closely associated with the Islamic Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey and Ascension (Isra and Mi'raj), celebrated in many Muslim communities globally, including some in Australia.
  • In Australian multicultural literature, characters named Meraj often represent cultural diversity and spiritual pursuit.
  • The name is sometimes chosen by Australian families with Middle Eastern heritage in homage to their roots.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name meraj:

  • aspirational
  • spiritual
  • determined
  • respectful

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a smooth, melodic quality with a balanced syllabic structure, appealing in both casual and formal settings in Australia. It suits contemporary and traditional naming styles.

Geographical Distribution

More common in metropolitan areas with established Middle Eastern or South Asian communities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, reflecting migration patterns.

Numerological Significance

Name Number: 7 — associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thought, aligning well with the meaning of elevation and insight in the name.

Astrological Connections

No specific astrological associations, but the name's meaning relates to spiritual ascension, which can be connected symbolically to higher consciousness or personal growth.

Historical Context

The name Meraj carries religious significance in Islamic tradition, linked to the Prophet Muhammad's spiritual journey. Its adoption in Australia is mostly through migration and reflects a connection with Muslim communities and Middle Eastern heritage. It appears in diaspora narratives and multicultural literature in Australia.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name is primarily used in its original form, with slight phonetic adaptations in non-Persian/Arabic speaking contexts. It can be transliterated into various scripts for non-Latin alphabets.

Famous People Named meraj

  • Meraj (fictional character in Australian multicultural novel)
  • Meraj Faridi (Australian Muslim community leader)
  • Famous athletes or artists with this name are currently not widely documented in Australia.

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2024 1