Kajal

Kajal comes from the Sanskrit word kājal and refers to the black kohl or eyeliner traditionally used around the eyes. As a name it evokes the idea of dark, defining beauty focused on the eyes and gaze.

The name feels intimate and visual. It suggests subtle glamour, a gentle emphasis on presence, and a connection to South Asian cultural traditions of adornment. While firmly rooted in a specific cultural practice, it also reads as modern and accessible, pairing well with both traditional and international names.

The word kajal comes from Sanskrit kājal and has long described the black powder or ointment used to darken the eyelids. The cosmetic has been used across South Asia and the Middle East for centuries for both aesthetic and practical reasons, including protection from glare and as a traditional belief against the evil eye.

As a given name, Kajal emerged in modern times as parents began choosing words associated with beauty and everyday life as names. It is common in India, Nepal and Bangladesh and appears in popular culture, including film and literature, which helped spread its use as a personal name. Variants such as Kajol have arisen regionally, reflecting local pronunciation and spelling preferences. The name has stayed relatively stable in form while gaining recognition outside South Asia among diasporic communities.