Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Deja
GirlFrench, American (modern coinage)· “already (French)”
- Meaning
- already (French)
- Origin
- French, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- DAY-zhuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,039
- US babies 2025
- 54
- Best rank
- #182 (1996)
- Peak year
- 1996
Meaning and origin of Deja
Deja is a French and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “already (French)”.
Deja comes from the French word déjà, meaning "already." It is familiar in English from the phrase déjà vu, "already seen," the feeling of having experienced something before. As a given name, Deja became popular in the United States in the late twentieth century, especially in African American communities, and it has a soft, sophisticated sound. Pronounced DAY-zhuh, it is short and easy to say. Deja suits parents who want a name with a French flavor and an intriguing meaning. It pairs well with both classic and modern middle names.
Popularity over time
Deja first appears in US Social Security records in 1962. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 22 different years, starting in 1988. Its best national rank was #182 in 1996, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,638 babies. In 2025, 54 babies were named Deja, and it ranked #3,039 nationally. That is 57% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,707 in 1980, #336 in 2000, #1,289 in 2010, and #3,039 in 2025. Of the 16,274 US girls named Deja since records began, 51% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 5,238 babies. Since 2010, 1,657 more have been named Deja.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kiana, Alexus, Asia, Shania, and Guadalupe.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Deja ranked highest in California and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #2556 | 7 |
| Texas | #3019 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Deja is usually pronounced DAY-zhuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with D and ends in “-ja”.
Middle names for Deja
A few middle names that flow with Deja: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Deja
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Lists that include Deja
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Deja mean?
Deja is a French and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “already (French)”.
What is the origin of the name Deja?
Deja has French and modern American roots. Deja comes from the French word déjà, meaning "already." It is familiar in English from the phrase déjà vu, "already seen," the feeling of having experienced something before.
Is Deja a popular name?
Not especially. Deja ranked #3,039 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Deja a boy or girl name?
Deja is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Deja?
Deja is usually pronounced DAY-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