Declining since 2020.
Popularity of Bahja since 1989
Babies named Bahja per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 9 |
| 1990s | 38 |
| 2000s | 45 |
| 2010s | 47 |
| 2020s | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Bahja is a name of Arabic origin meaning 'gladness' or 'delight'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1989 and reached its peak popularity in 2017. Since 2020, its usage has been falling, reflecting a broader trend for rare names. Although it has not ranked in the top 1000, it maintains a consistent, if small, presence. The name is unconnected to any top state concentrations and remains a distinctive choice rooted in Arabic linguistic heritage.
Bahja derives from the Arabic root ب-ه-ج (b-h-j), which conveys meanings of joy, beauty, and radiance. It is used as a feminine given name in Arabic-speaking cultures, notably in parts of North Africa and the Middle East. The name remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries but has seen modest use since the late 1980s.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Bahijah, Bahija
Sibling names for Bahja
Names that share Bahja's style, for a brother or sister.
