What does Maija mean and where does it come from?
Maija is a popular name in Finland and Estonia, often seen as a diminutive of Maria or derived from the month of May. In Finnish culture, it is frequently associated with spring and renewal. The name is reflective of joy and new beginnings and has been in use since the 19th century. Notable individu
Cultural significance
Maija has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Finland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of finnish.
Peak popularity
Reached #2450 in 1999 — currently #11538 in the US.
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Related Reading
Finland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Maija?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Maija?
Maija works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maija Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Maija Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Maija Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Maija Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Maija Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Maija Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Maija right now?
Falling — down 759 spots — currently #11538 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #11538 | 8 | ▼ down 759 · -11% births |
| 2024 | #10779 | 9 | ▼ down 3657 · -44% births |
| 2023 | #7122 | 16 | ▲ up 3007 · +60% births |
| 2022 | #10129 | 10 | ▲ up 659 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #10788 | 9 | ▼ down 1190 · -10% births |
| 2020 | #9598 | 10 | ▼ down 12 · -9% births |
| 2015 | #9586 | 11 | ▼ down 2617 · -39% births |
| 2010 | #6969 | 18 | ▼ down 2568 · -42% births |
| 2005 | #4401 | 31 | ▼ down 574 · -6% births |
| 2000 | #3827 | 33 | ▼ down 9 · +18% births |
| 1995 | #3818 | 28 | ▲ up 5655 · +250% births |
| 1990 | #9473 | 8 | ▼ down 3289 · -27% births |
| 1985 | #6184 | 11 | ▼ down 1755 · -35% births |
| 1980 | #4429 | 17 | ▲ up 54 · +21% births |
| 1975 | #4483 | 14 | — |
The story of Maija
Maija entered American naming records in 1952 and has been in use for over 72 years. With 1,132 total births recorded, Maija remains relatively uncommon.
Names that peaked alongside Maija in 1999:
Maija by decade
Maija peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 11 | |
| 1960s | 75 | |
| 1970s | 156 | |
| 1980s | 124 | |
| 1990s | 257 | |
| 2000s ★ | 335 | |
| 2010s | 164 | |
| 2020s | 27 | |
💎With 1,132 total births, Maija is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Maija?
ENGLISH
MoMollieMollyPolliePollyReenie
What names sound and feel like Maija?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maija also consider these
How is Maija written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Maija
What does the name Maija mean?
Maija means "Finnish" — 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 Maija?
Maija is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maija have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Maija?
Maija 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 Maija trending right now?
Maija is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Maija a common or rare name?
Maija is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.