Home βΊ Baby Names Directory βΊ Marja
Marja
How to Pronounce Marja
Pronounced MAR-yah /ΛmΙΛr.jΙ/Medium
Meaning: Marja is a Finnish and Dutch form of Maria (Mary), from the Hebrew Miriam, whose meaning is debated β often given as 'beloved', 'bitter', or 'wished-for child'; in Finnish, marja also happens to mean 'berry'.Medium
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Marja is a Finnish and Dutch form of Maria, and so ultimately of the Hebrew Miriam, the most widespread of Western given names in its many guises. Its meaning is much debated β 'beloved', 'bitter' and 'wished-for child' are all offered. In Finnish the same word also means 'berry', a homely, pretty coincidence.
In America it stayed a heritage name, peaking around 1978 at a few dozen girls a year among Finnish- and Dutch-descended families. It reads as a European form of Mary rather than a mainstream American choice.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- Famous bearers coming soon.
If you like Marjaβ¦
Explore names like Marja
Frequently Asked
What does the name Marja mean?
Marja is a Finnish and Dutch form of Maria, from the Hebrew Miriam, a name of debated meaning.
How do you pronounce Marja?
It's said MAR-yah /ΛmΙΛr.jΙ/ β two syllables.
Is Marja a boy or girl name?
Marja is used as a girl's name.
How popular is Marja?
Marja has always been uncommon in the U.S., borne mainly by Finnish- and Dutch-heritage families.