Anjana

Etymology and Meaning

Anjana (Sanskrit: अञ्जना, feminine; also अञ्जन, masculine) is a name of Sanskrit origin, derived from the word “añjana” meaning “kohl, collyrium”—a black powder traditionally used as eyeliner in South Asia. The feminine form Añjanā (with a long final vowel) and the masculine form Añjana (short final vowel) appear in early Sanskrit texts. The name is related to Anjan, the modern masculine form, which also appears as a Nepali variant.

Religious and Cultural Significance

In the Hindu epic the Ramayana, Anjana is the mother of Hanuman, the monkey god. According to tradition, Anjana was a celestial apsara (nymph) who, due to a curse, was born as a female monkey; she later married Kesari and gave birth to Hanuman after being blessed by the wind god Vayu. This association gives the name deep religious resonance within Hindu mythology.

Usage and Distribution

Anjana is used as a feminine given name in Bengali, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, and other Indian languages. It is particularly common among Hindu families and is often chosen for its traditional link to the Ramayana. The masculine transcription Añjana (short final vowel) can also be used as a masculine name, though it is less common today. As a transcription from Sanskrit, the name crosses regional language boundaries.

• Meaning: Kohl, collyrium
• Origin: Sanskrit
• Types: Feminine (primary); masculine form exists
• Usage: Bengali, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil; Hindu