The baby name Kaija is a Female name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced Finnish: [ˈkai̯.jɑ]; English: /ˈkaɪ.jə/ (KAI-yuh).
The baby name Kaija is a Female name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced Finnish: [ˈkai̯.jɑ]; English: /ˈkaɪ.jə/ (KAI-yuh).
Kaija is Estonian, Finnish in Origin.
Kaija is a Finnish feminine name, a familiar form of Kaisa, itself a vernacular of Katariina (Katherine). Through this line it inherits the meaning “pure” from Greek katharos. In the wider Nordic-Baltic sphere it aligns with Kaja and Kaia; in Latvia, where kaija means “seagull,” the name can also evoke a nature image. Related forms include Kaisa, Kaja, Kaia, Katja and Estonian Kaie; international variant Kaya sometimes overlaps in use.
Use in Finland rose in the mid-20th century and remains recognizable thanks to cultural figures such as composer Kaija Saariaho and pop artist Kaija Koo. The straightforward two-syllable shape and bright vowel sequence suit current naming trends, aiding its modest revival beyond Finland via the popularity of Kaia/Kaja. While spellings vary by language, Kaija retains a clear, concise profile that bridges traditional roots and contemporary style.
| Kaija Kärkinen Kaija Kärkinen is best known as a Finnish singer who represented Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest 1991 with the song "Hullu yö." Born on 9 September 1962, she is also an actress, and her Eurovision entry finished 20th. |
Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.
| Country | Gender | Year | Rank | Born | of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE | 0 | #36 | 2 | 1,051 | |
| Finland | Girls | 2026 | #58 | 10,557 | 3,895 |
| Finland | Girls | 0 | #93 | 1,316 | 1,368 |
| EE | Girls | 0 | #124 | 15 | 1,888 |
| Switzerland | Girls | 2024 | #133 | 3 | 1,786 |
| MT | Girls | 0 | #153 | 1 | 3,773 |
| Sweden | Girls | 2018 | #187 | 2 | 1,665 |
| Finland | 0 | #189 | 135 | 830 | |
| NA | Girls | 0 | #236 | 2 | 7,146 |
| Canada | Girls | 2024 | #280 | 6 | 2,795 |
| HR | Girls | 0 | #294 | 1 | 3,687 |
| DK | Girls | 0 | #329 | 1 | 7,429 |
| CN | Boys | 0 | #331 | 1 | 9,639 |
| PL | Girls | 0 | #364 | 1 | 5,096 |
| EG | 0 | #412 | 1 | 6,387 | |
| OM | Girls | 0 | #422 | 3 | 15,987 |
| PH | Girls | 0 | #429 | 1 | 13,098 |
| ZA | 0 | #474 | 1 | 14,421 | |
| RU | Girls | 0 | #523 | 1 | 11,913 |
| QA | Boys | 0 | #743 | 1 | 18,093 |
| Germany | Girls | 0 | #829 | 10 | 4,949 |
| TN | 0 | #865 | 1 | 13,765 | |
| United States | Girls | 2024 | #899 | 18 | 8,487 |
| OM | Boys | 0 | #918 | 1 | 17,948 |
| MY | Girls | 0 | #1,072 | 1 | 24,821 |
| MA | 0 | #1,197 | 3 | 20,986 | |
| TR | 0 | #1,254 | 1 | 19,440 | |
| SA | Boys | 0 | #1,691 | 1 | 28,008 |
Kaija is popular in 24 countries — most recent births per country:
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