Find out how popular the first name Ija has been for the last 9 years (from 2003 to 2011) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ija by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Ija is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2011, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Ija.

The history of the first name Ija

The given name Ija has its origins tracing back to the ancient Sanskrit language of India, with roots dating back to around the 1st millennium BCE. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "ija", meaning "honor" or "reverence". The name was initially popular in regions where Sanskrit was widely spoken, such as the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Ija can be found in the Mahabharata, a renowned ancient Indian epic poem. In this text, Ija is mentioned as the name of a sage who imparted wisdom and knowledge to disciples. This reference suggests that the name held significance and was associated with erudition and spiritual guidance in ancient Indian culture.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ija. One of the earliest was Ija Vidyadhara (c. 6th century CE), an influential Buddhist scholar and teacher from India. His writings and teachings were instrumental in the spread of Buddhism across Southeast Asia.

Another prominent figure was Ija Nahuatl (1450-1520), a renowned Aztec poet and philosopher from present-day Mexico. His works, which explored themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition, were highly regarded during the Aztec era.

In the realm of literature, Ija Kalapurnama (1820-1875) was a celebrated Bengali poet and writer from British India. Her poetry, which often explored themes of love, devotion, and social commentary, earned her widespread acclaim and a lasting legacy in the literary circles of her time.

Moving to more recent times, Ija Basilio (1925-1994) was a prominent Filipino artist known for her vibrant and expressive paintings. Her works, which often depicted scenes from everyday life and celebrated the richness of Filipino culture, have been widely exhibited and are part of numerous prestigious collections.

Lastly, Ija Vuren (1970-present) is a contemporary Dutch author and journalist who has gained recognition for her thought-provoking novels and essays. Her writing often explores themes of identity, social issues, and the complexities of human relationships, resonating with readers around the world.

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 Ija was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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