All about the name

Marija

Female

« Marija is a Slavic feminine given name derived from Hebrew Miriam, meaning 'sea of bitterness' or 'rebelliousness'. »

#14274 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Marija is a feminine given name of Slavic origin, derived from the Latin name Maria, which in turn is derived from the Hebrew name Miriam. The name Marija means "sea of bitterness" or "rebelliousness," although it is often associated with other meanings such as "sea of sorrow" or "wished-for child." The name Marija has a rich history and can be traced back to ancient times. In the Bible, Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron, and she played an important role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The name Maria became popular in the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great, who is said to have had a vision of a woman named Maria before his conversion to Christianity. Over time, Marija has been adopted by many cultures and languages around the world. In some Slavic languages, such as Croatian and Serbian, Marija is used interchangeably with Maria, while in other languages, such as Finnish and Estonian, Marija is considered a distinct name with its own pronunciation and orthography. Today, Marija remains a popular given name for girls throughout Eastern Europe, as well as in other parts of the world where Slavic cultures have had an influence. It is often associated with qualities such as strength, determination, and grace, although these traits are not universally applicable to all individuals named Marija. Ultimately, the meaning and significance of the name Marija will vary depending on cultural and personal interpretations.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Marija since 1880

Total births
514
Total since 1880
Peak year
2008
21 births
in 2022
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-9%
vs previous 5 years