Find out how popular the first name Senja has been for the last 29 years (from 1989 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Senja by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Senja is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Senja.

The history of the first name Senja

The name Senja has its origins in the Scandinavian languages, particularly in Norwegian and Swedish. It is derived from the Old Norse word "seinn," meaning "late" or "slow," referring to the late evening or dusk.

In ancient Norse mythology, Senja was associated with the goddess of the dusk, Sága. It was believed that she guided the transition from day to night, representing the balance between light and darkness.

The earliest recorded use of the name Senja dates back to the Viking Age, around the 8th century AD. It was commonly used in Scandinavia, particularly in coastal regions where the evening sun had a profound impact on daily life and fishing activities.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Senja was Senja Ásgeirsdóttir (c. 950 - 1020), a respected Norse poet and skald from Iceland. Her poetry often celebrated the beauty of the evening sky and the transition from day to night.

In the 12th century, Senja Eiríksdóttir (1120 - 1185) was a prominent figure in the Norwegian nobility. She was known for her diplomatic skills and played a crucial role in mediating disputes between rival clans.

During the Middle Ages, the name Senja gained popularity among the Swedish aristocracy. One notable example is Senja Kristinsdotter (1265 - 1330), a noblewoman and landowner who was influential in the court of King Magnus III of Sweden.

In the 16th century, Senja Hansdotter (1520 - 1585) was a respected herbalist and healer in Denmark. Her knowledge of medicinal plants and natural remedies was widely sought after in her community.

Senja Eriksdotter (1670 - 1745), a Swedish artist and painter, is renowned for her detailed portraits of the Swedish royal family and nobility during the 18th century.

While the name Senja has its roots in ancient Scandinavian cultures, it has gained popularity in various parts of the world due to its unique and melodic sound. However, its historical significance and connection to the evening twilight remain deeply rooted in its Scandinavian origins.

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

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

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