Rising since 2019, #8,860 for girls today.
Popularity of Nadja since 1914
Babies named Nadja per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 19 |
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 13 |
| 1940s | 25 |
| 1950s | 46 |
| 1960s | 127 |
| 1970s | 150 |
| 1980s | 178 |
| 1990s | 266 |
| 2000s | 203 |
| 2010s | 94 |
| 2020s | 40 |
Meaning & origin
Nadja carries a sense of international elegance, rooted in Slavic and Arabic traditions. Its meaning 'hope' lends it a universal appeal. In the U.S., it has never been common, ranking as low as 8,860th in 2025, with only about 1 in 146,000 newborn girls receiving the name. Its peak usage came in 1996, reflecting a modest but distinct presence. The name has been on a rising trajectory since 2019, suggesting renewed interest. Nadja's cross-cultural heritage makes it a distinctive choice for families with Eastern European or Middle Eastern connections, or for those drawn to its lyrical sound.
Nadja is a Slavic form of Nadia, which itself derives from the Russian name Nadezhda, meaning 'hope.' It is also used in Arabic-speaking contexts as a variant of Nadiya, meaning 'delicate' or 'tender.' The name entered wider European use through 19th-century literature and has been borne across Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nad, Nadi, Nadya
Sibling names for Nadja
Names that share Nadja's style, for a brother or sister.
