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Maija
Pronounced MY-yuh /ˈmaɪ.jə/Medium
Meaning: A Finnish and Latvian form of Maria (Mary), a name of debated meaning often glossed 'beloved,' 'bitter,' or 'sea of sorrow.' In Finland Maija is also tied to Maypole and midsummer traditions.Low
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Maija is a Finnish and Latvian form of Maria, the enduring name of Mary, whose meaning is debated ('beloved,' 'bitter,' 'sea'). In Finland it is woven into midsummer custom. It reads as a bright Nordic name, rare here (said 'MY-yuh').
In the U.S. it appears very rarely, mostly in Nordic-connected families. Rare, Nordic, and warm.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Maija mean?
Maija is a Finnish and Latvian form of Maria (Mary), a name variously glossed 'beloved,' 'bitter,' or 'sea.'
How do you pronounce Maija?
It's said MY-yuh /ˈmaɪ.jə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Maija a boy or girl name?
Maija is used as a girl's name.
How popular is Maija?
Maija is a very rare name in the U.S.