Marija

“beloved”

Croatia origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#14676US 2022

6Births / yr

↓Falling

507All-time births

📅 Since 196200

How to pronounce Marija

ma-ree-ya(slovene)

/ma-ree-ya(slovene)/ · · 3 syllables

“beloved”

Croatia origin · Girl name

What does Marija mean and where does it come from?

Marija is a variant of the name Maria, with origins in Hebrew and Latin. In Hebrew, the name translates to 'beloved,' a term of endearment. In Latin, the meanings extend to 'sea of bitterness' and 'rebelliousness.' The name is widely used in Slavic countries, particularly Croatia and Serbia, and is

Cultural significance

Marija has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Croatia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beloved.

Peak popularity

Reached #4283 in 1976 — currently #14676 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Marija?

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

Marija Grace

How popular is Marija right now?

Falling — down 1054 spots — currently #14676 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2022#14676 · Top 11%

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#14676	6	▼ down 1054
2020	#13622	6	▲ up 3195 · +20% births
2015	#16817	5	▼ down 10376 · -75% births
2010	#6441	20	▲ up 464 · +18% births
2005	#6905	17	▲ up 1804 · +55% births
2000	#8709	11	▼ down 1503 · -8% births
1995	#7206	12	▼ down 1237 · -20% births
1990	#5969	15	▲ up 5272 · +200% births
1985	#11241	5	▼ down 4163 · -44% births
1980	#7078	9	▼ down 2775 · -40% births
1975	#4303	15	▲ up 2516 · +114% births
1970	#6819	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Marija

Best Year1975Rank #4303

Peak Count20

Average Rank#9149

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1970 - 202212 years

The story of Marija

Marija is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1962. With 507 total births recorded, Marija remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6819 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14676 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Marija in 1976:

Jennifer Amy Melissa Heather Angela

Marija by decade

Marija peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	22
1970s	91
1980s	87
1990s	97
2000s ★	124
2010s	80
2020s	6

💎Marija has only 507 total recorded births since 1962 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Marija?

BASQUE

Maia

CATALAN

MarionaOna

CROATIAN

MajaMareMaricaMarijetaMašaMojca

CZECH

MadlenkaMajaMarikaMáša

What names sound and feel like Marija?

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

Arija

Croatia · Croatian

Manija

Persian · soul, spirit, or

Maria

Hebrew · Bitterness; sea of

Maraja

American · a combination of

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Lamija

Arabic · The one who

How is Marija written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Marija

What does the name Marija mean?

Marija means "beloved" — a name rooted in Croatia 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 Marija?

Marija is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Marija?

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

What sibling names go well with Marija?

Marija pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Croatia heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.

Is Marija a common or rare name?

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