Marja

“berry”

Finland origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1892US 2023

308Births / yr

→Stable

437All-time births

📅 Since 192100

How to pronounce Marja

mahr-yah

/mahr-yah/ · · 2 syllables

“berry”

Finland origin · Girl name

What does Marja mean and where does it come from?

Marja is a feminine name of Finnish and Estonian origin. In Finnish, it directly translates to 'berry', and it is often used in a poetic sense to refer to nature and femininity. Additionally, Marja can serve as a regional variation of Maria, making it culturally significant in Estonian contexts. The

Cultural significance

Marja has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Finland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of berry.

Peak popularity

Reached #2102 in 1978 — currently #1892 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Marja?

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

Marja Grace

How popular is Marja right now?

Holding steady — currently #1892 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1950–2023#1892 · Top 1.4%

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1892	308	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2022	#1897	288	▲ up 5 · +12% births
2021	#1902	258	▲ up 9692 · +4200% births
1990	#11594	6	▼ down 6162 · -54% births
1985	#5432	13	▼ down 1235 · -28% births
1980	#4197	18	▲ up 3142 · +157% births
1975	#7339	7	▼ down 773
1970	#6566	7	▼ down 1085
1965	#5481	7	▼ down 880 · -22% births
1960	#4601	9	▼ down 29 · +13% births
1955	#4572	8	▼ down 23 · +14% births
1950	#4549	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Marja

Best Year2023Rank #1892

Peak Count308

Average Rank#5002

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1950 - 202312 years

The story of Marja

Marja entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. With 437 total births recorded, Marja remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4549 in 1950 to #1892 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Marja in 1978:

Jennifer Melissa Jessica Amy Heather

Marja by decade

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

Decade	Births
1920s	5
1940s	28
1950s	68
1960s	74
1970s	111
1980s ★	113
1990s	38

💎Marja has only 437 total recorded births since 1921 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Marja?

BASQUE

Maia

CATALAN

MarionaOna

CROATIAN

MajaMareMaricaMarijetaMašaMojca

CZECH

MadlenkaMajaMarikaMáša

What names sound and feel like Marja?

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

Slavonic regions · March, the month

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Arja

Arabic · A Arabic name

Maja

Swedish · Polish

How is Marja written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Marja

What does the name Marja mean?

Marja means "berry" — 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 Marja?

Marja 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 Marja?

Marja 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 Marja a common or rare name?

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

What are good nicknames for Marja?

Marja naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.