Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Aja
Girl
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Pronunciation
- AY-zhuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,461
- US babies 2025
- 44
- Best rank
- #412 (1978)
- Peak year
- 1978
Meaning and origin of Aja
The origin of Aja is uncertain.
Several sources have been proposed for Aja, and none is certain. It is sometimes linked to the Sanskrit aja, meaning unborn or goat, and in Hindu tradition Aja is the name of a legendary king, but the modern given name may have a different source. Aja also appears in other languages with different meanings, and no single origin is firmly established. The name became widely known through the Steely Dan album Aja, released in 1977. It is pronounced like Asia. Aja has a short, exotic sound and a stylish, modern feel.
Popularity over time
Aja first appears in US Social Security records in 1968. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 22 different years, starting in 1978. Its best national rank was #412 in 1978, the same year it reached its highest count of 491 babies. In 2025, 44 babies were named Aja, and it ranked #3,461 nationally. That is 48% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #597 in 1980, #939 in 2000, #1,590 in 2010, and #3,461 in 2025. Of the 8,314 US girls named Aja since records began, 26% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 2,125 babies. Since 2010, 1,333 more have been named Aja.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Latosha, Karrie, Marlena, Lashonda, and Sommer.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Aja ranked highest in Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #3306 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Aja over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Aja is usually pronounced AY-zhuh, with two syllables. It has three letters, starts with A and ends in “-ja”.
Middle names for Aja
A few middle names that flow with Aja: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Aja
Similar names
Deja Girl
DAY-zhuh
“already (French)” · French
#3,039
Maira Girl
MY-ruh
“uncertain, possibly variant of Moira”
#2,765
Anja Girl
AHN-yuh
“form of Anna, grace” · Slavic
#4,075
Maja Girl
MY-uh
“Scandinavian and Slavic form of Maria or Maia” · Scandinavian
#3,747
Saja Girl
SAH-juh
“calm, tranquil” · Arabic
#4,053
Tala Girl
TAH-luh
“uncertain; several unrelated sources”
#1,217
Kirra Girl
KEER-uh
“uncertain; Australian place name”
#4,501
Maeva Girl
mah-AY-vuh
“welcome (Tahitian)”
#1,403
Aira Girl
EYE-ruh
#1,082
Dayna Girl
DAY-nuh
“variant of Dana” · English
#6,604
Nara Girl
NAH-ruh
“uncertain; also a Japanese city”
#2,476
Pooja Girl
POO-jah
“worship” · Sanskrit
rare
Lists that include Aja
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Aja mean?
The origin of Aja is uncertain.
Is Aja a popular name?
Not especially. Aja ranked #3,461 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Aja a boy or girl name?
Aja is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Aja over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Aja?
Aja is usually pronounced AY-zhuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings