Declining since 2006, #4,067 for girls today.
Popularity of Anja since 1962
Babies named Anja per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 157 |
| 1970s | 195 |
| 1980s | 216 |
| 1990s | 400 |
| 2000s | 872 |
| 2010s | 674 |
| 2020s | 283 |
Meaning & origin
Anja is a cross-cultural favorite with roots across Europe, ranking 4,067 in the U.S. in 2025. The name was first recorded in the U.S. in 1962 and saw a gradual rise in use through the late 20th century, reaching its peak in 2006. Since then, its trajectory has been falling. Despite a relatively low current rank, Anja's international appeal and simple elegance keep it in steady circulation, particularly among families with Dutch, German, Scandinavian, or Slavic heritage. With a one-in-45,922 frequency, it remains distinctive without being unfamiliar.
Anja originated as a Dutch, German, Scandinavian, and Slavic diminutive or variant of Anna, which derives from the Hebrew name Hannah (חַנָּה) meaning 'favor' or 'grace'. In many countries it became established as an independent given name in the 20th century. It remains particularly popular in the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia, and has seen some use in English-speaking countries. The name crossed language boundaries easily due to its simple pronunciation and spelling.
“Anja” around the world
Where Anja lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: An, Anji, Anju
Variants: Anya, Anjaa, Annja
Sibling names for Anja
Names that share Anja's style, for a brother or sister.
