Find out how popular the first name Anija has been for the last 26 years (from 1997 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Anija by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Anija is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Anija.

The history of the first name Anija

The name Anija is a modern variation of the name Anja, which has its origins in ancient Slavic languages. The name is derived from the Slavic root "an," meaning grace or favor. It has been used in various Slavic cultures, particularly in countries like Poland, Russia, and the Czech Republic.

The earliest recorded use of the name Anja dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was a popular name among Slavic nobility and royalty. One of the first notable bearers of the name was Anja of Mazovia, a Polish princess who lived in the 13th century.

In the 15th century, the name gained popularity in Russia, where it was often associated with the Orthodox Christian faith. One of the most famous Russian figures with this name was Anja Akhmatova, a renowned poet who lived from 1889 to 1966 and is considered one of the most influential voices of the Silver Age of Russian poetry.

The name also has a rich history in Czech culture, where it was commonly used among the noble classes. One notable bearer was Anja of Bohemia, a 14th-century Bohemian princess who married into the Habsburg dynasty.

In the 20th century, the name gained popularity in various parts of the world, with several notable figures bearing the name. One such figure was Anja Rubik, a Polish model and actress born in 1983, who has graced the covers of numerous fashion magazines and walked the runways for some of the world's most prestigious fashion houses.

Another notable bearer of the name was Anja Bukovec, a Slovenian actress born in 1987, who has appeared in several Slovenian and international films and television shows.

The name Anija, as a modern variation of Anja, has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in countries with Slavic cultural influences. While it may not have a long historical record as a distinct name, it carries the rich cultural heritage and meanings associated with its ancient Slavic roots.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Anija was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Anija, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!