Declining since 1995, #3,459 for girls today.
Popularity of Aja since 1968
Babies named Aja per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 15 |
| 1970s | 874 |
| 1980s | 2,161 |
| 1990s | 2,125 |
| 2000s | 1,806 |
| 2010s | 952 |
| 2020s | 381 |
Meaning & origin
Aja entered U.S. birth records in 1968 and saw its highest usage in 1978, the same year the surname was recorded most frequently for girls. Since 1995, its popularity has been steadily falling, though it remains a distinctive choice. In 2025, it ranked 3,459th with an incidence of about 1 in 36,529 newborn girls. The name is most common in Texas, suggesting a regional concentration. As a modern coinage or respelling, Aja has no ancient roots, but its phonetic simplicity and resemblance to names like Aya or Maya give it a contemporary, melodic feel. Its rarity today makes it an uncommon but recognizable option.
Aja first appeared in U.S. birth records in the late 1960s, likely as a respelling of Aya or a creative modern coinage. Its usage peaked in the 1970s, possibly influenced by the 1977 album 'Aja' by the band Steely Dan, though this connection is speculative. It has been used primarily as a girls' name and has declined in popularity since the mid-1990s.
Where Aja is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Ajah
Sibling names for Aja
Names that share Aja's style, for a brother or sister.
