Seraj is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the word "seraj," which means "pathway" or "way." It is often associated with light and guidance, as in the phrase "to show the right way."
The name Seraj has significant historical and religious importance in Islam. According to Islamic tradition, Seraj was the name given to the path that led to Heaven from the Plain of Resurrection on Judgment Day. This path was said to be as narrow as a single thread and as sharp as a sword, with Hellfire on either side.
In some interpretations, Seraj also refers to the light that guided the Prophet Muhammad during his Night Journey (Isra) from Mecca to Jerusalem. This event is considered one of the greatest miracles in Islam and is remembered each year during the Islamic month of Rajab.
As a personal name, Seraj has been used among Muslim communities for centuries. It has gained popularity in recent decades due to its unique sound and meaningful association with light, guidance, and divine favor. Today, people named Seraj can be found in various parts of the world, including the Middle East, South Asia, and even among Muslim minorities in Europe and North America.
While Seraj is typically associated with males, it has also been used as a female name in some cases. In either case, it is considered a name of great beauty and profound meaning, embodying the qualities of light, wisdom, and guidance that are central to Islamic belief and culture.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Seraj has seen a fluctuating trend of usage over the years in the United States. The number of babies named Seraj peaked recently in 2017 with 10 births that year. This is an increase from the previous year, 2016, which saw 8 births. However, there was another peak earlier on in 2014 with 9 births.
It's interesting to note that the number of babies named Seraj has remained relatively stable over time, with at least one birth every year between 2003 and 2023, except for 2011, 2012, and 2019. Overall, since 2003, there have been a total of 73 babies named Seraj born in the United States. This shows that while it's not one of the most common names, Seraj has maintained a consistent presence among newborns over nearly two decades.