Find out how popular the first name Marja has been for the last 25 years (from 1975 to 1999) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Marja by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Marja is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1999, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Marja.

The history of the first name Marja

The name Marja is of Finnish origin, derived from the biblical name Maria, which itself has Hebrew roots meaning "sea of bitterness" or "beloved lady." The Finnish form Marja emerged as a shortened version of Maria, likely during the Middle Ages when Christianity spread to the region.

In Finland, the name Marja has been popular for centuries, carrying cultural significance as a nod to the country's Christian heritage. It was particularly widespread among the Finnish peasantry and working class, often bestowed upon daughters as a traditional and familiar name choice.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Marja can be found in the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, which was compiled from ancient folk poetry in the 19th century. In the epic, Marja is mentioned as the name of a young woman, though her role in the narrative is minor.

Throughout history, several notable Finnish women have borne the name Marja. One of the earliest was Marja Jalkanen (1785-1865), a pioneering Finnish businesswoman and entrepreneur who established a successful textile trade in the early 19th century.

Another prominent Marja was Marja-Liisa Vartio (1924-1966), a highly acclaimed Finnish author known for her modernist novels and short stories. Her works explored themes of existentialism and the human condition, earning her critical praise and numerous literary awards during her lifetime.

In the realm of politics, Marja Lintonen (1938-2022) was a respected Finnish diplomat and politician who served as the country's first female Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 2000. She played a crucial role in Finland's accession to the European Union and worked tirelessly to promote human rights and gender equality on the global stage.

Marja-Leena Raunio (1945-2022) was a Finnish artist and sculptor whose works explored the intersection of art and technology. Her innovative sculptures, often incorporating lights and movement, earned her international recognition and a place in prestigious collections worldwide.

Finally, Marja Liisa Kirvesniemi (born 1962) is a Finnish cross-country skier and Olympic gold medalist. She won multiple medals at the Winter Olympics and World Championships throughout her illustrious career, cementing her status as one of Finland's most celebrated athletes.

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

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

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