Girl · 2284th of 35,406
Anja
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
2,761
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2006
Peak Popularity Year
122
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Anja stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Anja is a name of Slavic origin, derived from the Hebrew Channah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor'. It evolved through historical forms such as Anna in Latin. The name is associated with elegance and modernity and has gained popularity in the 20th century. It does not have specific biblical relevance, and notable figures with this name include models and actresses.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɑːnjə/
Origin
Slavic
Etymology
Anja is a diminutive form of Anna, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Channah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor'.
Meaning
grace, favor
Language Evolution
Channah (Hebrew), Anna (Latin), Anja (Slavic)
Historical Usage
Anja gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in Scandinavian and Slavic countries, as a variation of Anna.
Variants & Derivatives
Anna, Anya, Ana
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Anja is perceived as a modern and elegant name, popular in various cultures, especially in Europe.
Famous People
Anja Rubik (Polish supermodel), Anja Kling (German actress), Anja Schneider (German DJ and producer)
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 122 peak births in 2006
Geographic Spread
Popular across 17 US states, with strongest presence in Minnesota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 6 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 5 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 9454th of 12526 | 18 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3149th of 19264 | 350 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3455th of 27321 | 464 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2284th of 35406 | 1,259 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2992nd of 30306 | 670 |