Kajsa

Kajsa is a feminine given name commonly used in Sweden and among Swedish-speaking communities in Finland. In contemporary usage it functions as a full given name rather than merely a nickname, though its origins lie in traditional Swedish name practice.

Origin and related forms: Kajsa developed from Katarina (and by extension Karin) in Swedish naming traditions. It is related to other forms of Catherine across the Nordic and Baltic regions, including the Finnish form Kaisa. While Kajsa began as a pet or diminutive form, it has long been established as an independent given name in its own right.

Usage and popularity: The name has been a stable presence in Sweden since the 20th century and remains in use among newer generations. Its use reflects broader Scandinavian naming patterns in which diminutive or affectionate forms become accepted as formal names. The name is also encountered in Swedish-speaking communities in Finland and in Nordic contexts more broadly.

Cultural context: As a recognizable Nordic name, Kajsa appears in Swedish literature and media in various contexts, including references to real people and fictional characters. It is one of several names in the Karin/Katarina family that have gained distinct identity within Scandinavian naming traditions.

See also: Kaisa, Katarina, Karin, Catherine.