Write about your first name: its meaning, significance,etymology, etc.

My first name, Manoj, carries a cultural and linguistic significance, as do many Indian names. It is derived from Sanskrit and is a combination of two meaningful elements: “mana,” which translates to mind or spirit, and “ja,” meaning born. Together, Manoj can be interpreted as “born of the mind” or “one who is born from the heart.”

Interestingly, in Hindu culture, the name Manoj is also associated with Kamadeva, the god of desire and pleasureoften likened to Cupid in Western traditions. While this part of the name’s etymology is fascinating, it’s not a connection I usually emphasize.

There’s a special story behind how I came to have this name, but that’s a tale for another post.