Sanjaya is a name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit language. It is composed of two parts: 'Sani' which means 'Saturday', and 'jaya' which means 'victory'. Therefore, Sanjaya can be translated to mean "Victorious on Saturday".
The name Sanjaya has a rich history in Hindu mythology. In the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, Sanjaya was the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra. He is known for his faithfulness and wisdom, as he served as an advisor to the king despite being blind.
In India, the name Sanjaya is often given to boys born on a Saturday or to celebrate the victory of Lord Hanuman over the demon Ravana during the festival of Dussehra. It is also believed that naming a child Sanjaya brings good fortune and triumph in life.
Today, Sanjaya is not only popular in India but also among people of Indian origin living abroad. Despite its masculine connotation in Hinduism, it has been used as a female name in some countries. However, the majority of Sanjayas are males.
The name Sanjaya has had a consistent presence in the United States over the years, with an average of around 13 births per year since 2007. This means that, on average, approximately one baby named Sanjaya is born every month in the U.S., making it a relatively uncommon yet steadily maintained name choice among parents.