Asja

Asja is a feminine given name used in several Slavic and European languages. In many cases it functions as a diminutive form of Anastasia, but it is also used as an independent given name. The spelling Asja is common in Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, and Slovenian contexts, among others, with variants such as Asya appearing in other languages.

Origin and meaning: The root name Anastasia comes from the Greek Anastasía, meaning resurrection. When Asja is a diminutive of Anastasia, it shares in that etymology through the source name. As an independent name, Asja is primarily a cultural form rather than a separate semantic meaning.

Usage and variants: Asja is encountered in various parts of Europe, especially in Slavic-speaking regions. Spelling can vary by language, including Asja, Asiya, or Ajsa depending on transliteration and local conventions. In literary and artistic circles, the name has appeared across different periods and styles.

Notable people: One well-known bearer is Asja Lacis, a Latvian theatre actress and theorist who played a significant role in the early Moscow avant-garde theater. Her work helped shape experimental performance practices in the early 20th century.

See also: The name is related to Anastasia and to other diminutive forms such as Asya. In usage, it remains a relatively uncommon but recognizable European given name.