Declining since 2009.
Popularity of Marija since 1962
Babies named Marija per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 22 |
| 1970s | 91 |
| 1980s | 87 |
| 1990s | 97 |
| 2000s | 124 |
| 2010s | 81 |
| 2020s | 17 |
Meaning & origin
Marija is the Slavic form of Maria, a name with deep biblical roots. In the United States, Marija has never entered the top 1000 names, but it has maintained a steady, if modest, presence since it was first recorded in 1962. Its peak year of usage was 2010, but like many classic names, its popularity has been on a gentle decline since 2009. The name is especially common in Croatian, Serbian, Lithuanian, and Latvian communities, where it is often passed down through generations. Despite its low ranking nationally, Marija offers a distinctive alternative to the more anglicized Maria, preserving a connection to Eastern European heritage. Its pronunciation is straightforward, and its elegant simplicity has enduring appeal.
Marija is the Slavic form of Maria, which derives from the Hebrew name Miryam. The meaning of Miryam is uncertain, but it has been traditionally interpreted as 'beloved' or 'wished-for child' and is also associated with meanings like 'bitter' or 'rebellious' in folk etymology. The name has been widely used in Christian contexts, particularly in Eastern and Southern Europe, and remains common in Croatia, Serbia, Lithuania, Latvia, and other Slavic and Baltic countries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Maja, Mara, Rija, Mari
Sibling names for Marija
Names that share Marija's style, for a brother or sister.
