Anja

Anja is a female given name widely used in Central and Northern Europe. It is usually considered a variant of Anna or Hannah, with etymological roots in the Hebrew name Channah, meaning grace or favor. The spelling Anja is common in German-speaking countries as well as in Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and parts of Eastern Europe, where it is often given independently of Anna.

Variants include Anya and Anje, while Ajna is a separate name in some languages. The name has been in use since the early modern period and gained popularity in the 20th century in several European communities. It is typically used for girls, although naming practices vary by country.

Notable people named Anja include Anja Rubik (born 1983), Polish fashion model and activist; Anja Niedringhaus (1965–2014), German photojournalist; Anja Harteros (born 1972), Swedish soprano.

In many languages the name Anja may be associated with modern, cosmopolitan or artistic connotations; it is typically used without strong ethnic or religious associations.