Maja Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: MY-ah //ˈmaɪ.ə//
Origin: Slavic; Scandinavian; Latin
Meaning: Slavic: 'the greatest'; Latin: 'pearl'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Maja has roots in multiple linguistic traditions, primarily deriving from the Latin name "Maia," which is associated with the Roman goddess of spring and growth. The name is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root *magh-, meaning "to be able, to have power." This etymological journey continued through the Latin language, where Maia was revered as a deity of fertility, and subsequently influenced various cultures, including Slavic and Scandinavian languages, where Maja emerged as a common feminine form.
In these contexts, Maja often retains connotations of spring and renewal, echoing its mythological origins. Historically, the name Maja has been linked to significant cultural milestones.
In Slavic traditions, it is often associated with the celebration of spring festivals, symbolizing rebirth and fertility. The name has appeared in various literary and artistic works throughout the centuries, contributing to its cultural resonance.
In the 19th century, the name gained further prominence in literature, particularly in the works of authors who sought to evoke themes of nature and femininity. Additionally, the name has been borne by notable figures in history, including artists and writers, which has helped to cement its place in cultural memory.
Culturally, Maja is often associated with qualities such as vitality and creativity, reflecting its connections to nature and growth. In some traditions, diminutive forms like Maja or Maja are used affectionately, enhancing the name's endearing qualities.
The enduring appeal of Maja can be attributed to its rich historical background and the positive attributes associated with its meaning, making it a name that resonates across various cultures and eras.
Famous people named Maja
Fictional characters named Maja
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Maja was first seen in the United States in 1953. Maja has ranked as high as #1294 nationally, which occurred in 2009, and has been most popular in Illinois, California, New York, New Jersey, and Minnesota. In the past 5 years the name Maja has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Maja (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| IL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1953 | 5 |
| 1959 | 6 |
| 1961 | 6 |
| 1963 | 6 |
| 1964 | 6 |
| 1965 | 7 |
| 1966 | 9 |
| 1967 | 6 |
| 1968 | 11 |
| 1969 | 7 |
| 1970 | 13 |
| 1971 | 10 |
| 1972 | 14 |
| 1973 | 9 |
| 1974 | 14 |
| 1975 | 13 |
| 1976 | 13 |
| 1977 | 21 |
| 1978 | 19 |
| 1979 | 17 |
| 1980 | 19 |
| 1981 | 14 |
| 1982 | 20 |
| 1983 | 8 |
| 1984 | 14 |
| 1985 | 11 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 20 |
| 1988 | 19 |
| 1989 | 19 |
| 1990 | 15 |
| 1991 | 16 |
| 1992 | 16 |
| 1993 | 15 |
| 1994 | 18 |
| 1995 | 28 |
| 1996 | 24 |
| 1997 | 14 |
| 1998 | 40 |
| 1999 | 35 |
| 2000 | 50 |
| 2001 | 53 |
| 2002 | 42 |
| 2003 | 61 |
| 2004 | 45 |
| 2005 | 75 |
| 2006 | 75 |
| 2007 | 80 |
| 2008 | 74 |
| 2009 | 84 |
| 2010 | 77 |
| 2011 | 81 |
| 2012 | 57 |
| 2013 | 50 |
| 2014 | 43 |
| 2015 | 61 |
| 2016 | 55 |
| 2017 | 49 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 53 |
| 2020 | 37 |
| 2021 | 54 |
| 2022 | 52 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 37 |