What is "biju"

Biju (Malayalam: ബിജു) is a popular male name in India, especially in Bengal, Orissa, Kerala, and Bangladesh.

Biju is derived from the similar rhyming name Viju. It is highly likely that Viju is an affectionate version of the name Vijaya, which means Victory in Sanskrit and several Indian languages. It has a similar meaning in Chinese as well. Biju is associated with Arjuna,c the great warrior hero of the Mahabharatha.

In Kerala, the name Biju is used by all communities: Hindus, Christians, and Muslims, and thus is a secular name, although many have added suffixes which indicate their caste or community. For example, Biju Cheriya Othayoth (ബിജു സോമൻ പുന്നൂരേത്ത് ), in which ബിജു is the first name, സോമൻ is the father's name and പുന്നൂരേത്ത് is the house name.

This name also may have derived from the French word "bijou" (pronounced "bizhu"), meaning " jewel."