Declining since 1999, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Katja since 1963
Babies named Katja per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 51 |
| 1970s | 107 |
| 1980s | 88 |
| 1990s | 253 |
| 2000s | 247 |
| 2010s | 151 |
| 2020s | 52 |
Meaning & origin
Katja is a cross-cultural name with Slavic roots, widely used across Europe. In the U.S., it has remained relatively rare since first recorded in 1963, reaching its peak rank of 14,942 in 1998 and gradually declining since 1999. With a current 1-in-321,453 birth rate, it offers a distinctive yet accessible choice. Its top states include none, indicating broad but sparse usage. The name's strong 'K' sound and soft 'ya' ending make it versatile, fitting well with modern naming trends that favor international names.
Katja is a Slavic diminutive of Ekaterina, the Russian form of Katherine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterine. The ultimate origin is debated but traditionally linked to the Greek word katharos, meaning 'pure'. Adopted widely in Germany, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands, Katja has been used as an independent given name since the 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Katie, Kat
Sibling names for Katja
Names that share Katja's style, for a brother or sister.
