Irja

“the one who is sacred or revered” — Associated with strength and reverence in Finnish culture

Finland origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1904US 2023

296Births / yr

→Stable

156All-time births

📅 Since 191000

How to pronounce Irja

eer-yah

/eer-yah/ · · 2 syllables

“the one who is sacred or revered”

Associated with strength and reverence in Finnish culture · Finland origin

What does Irja mean and where does it come from?

Irja is a Finnish name, derived from the Old Norse name 'Irja' which can mean 'sacred' or 'holy'. It is quite popular in Finland and has been in use since the early 20th century. The name is often associated with strength and reverence in Finnish culture.

Cultural significance

Irja has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Finland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the one who is sacred or revered.

Peak popularity

Reached #1953 in 1918 — currently #1904 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Irja?

Irja works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Irja Grace

How popular is Irja right now?

Holding steady — currently #1904 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#1904 · Top 1.4%

1910

1915

1920

1930

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1904	296	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2022	#1909	276	▲ up 5 · +12% births
2021	#1914	246	▲ up 2866 · +4820% births
1930	#4780	5	▼ down 1540 · -50% births
1920	#3240	10	▼ down 1283 · -41% births
1915	#1957	17	▲ up 423 · +183% births
1910	#2380	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Irja

Best Year2023Rank #1904

Peak Count296

Average Rank#2583

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1910 - 20237 years

The story of Irja

Irja entered American naming records in 1910 and has been in use for over 114 years. With 156 total births recorded, Irja remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2380 in 1910 to #1904 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Irja in 1918:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Irja by decade

Irja peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s ★	119
1920s	32
1930s	5

💎Irja has only 156 total recorded births since 1910 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What names sound and feel like Irja?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Irja also consider these

Irjat

Irish · A Irish name

Girja

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Nirja

India · the one without

Hebrew · Worthy of honor

Ilja

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Irma

Germanic · Universal,

How is Irja written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Irja

What does the name Irja mean?

Irja means "the one who is sacred or revered" — a name rooted in Finland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Irja?

Irja is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Irja?

Irja originates from Finland tradition. Finland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Irja a common or rare name?

Irja is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What personality traits are associated with the name Irja?

Studies on name perception suggest that Irja is often associated with balance and approachability. Of course, personality is shaped by experience, not a name — but the perception can influence first impressions throughout life.