Rising since 2000, #770 for girls today.
Popularity of Freyja since 1994
Babies named Freyja per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 27 |
| 2000s | 138 |
| 2010s | 1,357 |
| 2020s | 2,336 |
Meaning & origin
Freyja entered U.S. records in 1994 and has been steadily rising since 2000, reflecting a broader cultural fascination with Norse mythology. In 2025, it ranked 770th, with 1 in 4566 newborns receiving the name. Its peak year came in 2023, and it continues to gain traction, particularly in states like Montana, Minnesota, and Oregon, where Scandinavian heritage is strong. The name's authentic Old Norse form, with the 'Freyja' spelling, distinguishes it from the more common anglicized Freya. As a mythological name that avoids overt pop-culture ties, Freyja offers a distinct alternative for parents seeking a name with ancient gravitas and a melodious sound.
Freyja is derived from Old Norse Freyja, meaning 'lady' or 'mistress.' In Norse mythology, Freyja was the goddess of love, beauty, war, and death, who rode a chariot pulled by cats and owned the necklace Brísingamen. The name is cognate with Old High German Frīja and ultimately stems from Proto-Germanic *Frawjōn. Modern use in English-speaking countries began in the late 20th century, drawing from Viking revival and mythological interest.
Where Freyja is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Freyja” around the world
Where Freyja lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
New Zealand
15
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Freya, Frey
Sibling names for Freyja
Names that share Freyja's style, for a brother or sister.
