Anjali
GirlSanskrit, Hindi· “offering with joined hands”
- Meaning
- offering with joined hands
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- UHN-juh-lee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #2,652
- US babies 2025
- 65
- Best rank
- #933 (2000)
- Peak year
- 2005
Meaning and origin of Anjali
Anjali is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “offering with joined hands”.
Anjali comes from Sanskrit and refers to an offering made with joined hands, the gesture of cupped or pressed palms used in prayer and greeting. The same gesture appears in the Namaste salutation and in yoga. As a name, Anjali expresses reverence and devotion. It is widely used in India and among families of Indian heritage around the world. Anjali is usually pronounced UHN-juh-lee, and it feels graceful and serene. Anju is a common affectionate nickname.
Popularity over time
Anjali first appears in US Social Security records in 1964. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 4 different years, starting in 2000. Its best national rank was #933 in 2000, and the most babies received it in 2005, when 255 were named Anjali. In 2025, 65 babies were named Anjali, and it ranked #2,652 nationally. That is 56% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,344 in 1980, #933 in 2000, #1,180 in 2010, and #2,652 in 2025. Of the 5,822 US girls named Anjali since records began, 40% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,475 babies. Since 2010, 1,940 more have been named Anjali.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jazmyne, Abrianna, Mayte, Sahara, and Aida.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Anjali ranked highest in California and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #1660 | 13 |
| Texas | #2227 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Anjali is usually pronounced UHN-juh-lee, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-li”.
Middle names for Anjali
A few middle names that flow with Anjali: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Anjali
Similar names
Lists that include Anjali
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Anjali mean?
Anjali is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “offering with joined hands”.
What is the origin of the name Anjali?
Anjali has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Anjali comes from Sanskrit and refers to an offering made with joined hands, the gesture of cupped or pressed palms used in prayer and greeting.
Is Anjali a popular name?
Not especially. Anjali ranked #2,652 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Anjali a boy or girl name?
Anjali is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Anjali?
Anjali is usually pronounced UHN-juh-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings