Aja

Pronunciation: [ EYE-uh ]

Girl Name #2,617 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A spiritual name spanning Sanskrit roots and Yoruba tradition

Indian Nigerian American

Bold Strong Unique Earthy Spiritual

Meaning & Origin

"unborn, eternal soul"

Origin: Sanskrit

Language: Hindi

"forest deity, healer"

Origin: Yoruba

Language: Yoruba

The Story of Aja

Aja has dual origins that give it remarkable depth. In Sanskrit, it means one who is not born or unborn, referencing the eternal nature of the soul in Hindu philosophy — also an epithet of Brahma and Shiva. In Yoruba tradition from Nigeria, Aja is the name of a powerful orisha (deity) of the forest, wild animals, and herbal healers. The name carries both spiritual gravitas and a connection to the natural world.

Aja gained attention in Western culture through the iconic 1977 Steely Dan album Aja, which won the Grammy for Album of the Year. The name has seen renewed interest as parents seek short, strong names with multicultural roots.

In Yoruba religion practiced across West Africa and in diaspora communities, Aja is a revered orisha — a forest deity and patron of herbal medicine. This gives the name deep spiritual meaning for families of Nigerian descent.

Fun Facts

Aja is a Yoruba orisha associated with the forest and healing herbs
Steely Dan named their 1977 Grammy-winning album after this name
In Sanskrit philosophy, Aja refers to the eternal, unborn aspect of the divine

Aja in Other Languages

Hindi अज

Arabic آجا

Yoruba Aja

Japanese エイジャ

Famous People Named Aja

Aja Naomi King

Actor

1985

American actress known for How to Get Away with Murder

Aja (Steely Dan album character)

Other

The inspiration behind the 1977 Steely Dan album Aja, Grammy Album of the Year

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,617
Total SSA Count: 67
Cultural Origins: Indian Nigerian American
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Pairs Well With

Aja Marie Aja Rose Aja Lynn Aja Grace Aja Nicole Aja Renee Aja Faith

Sibling Names

Zara Mila Kai Remy Nadia Luca Nia

Also a Boy Name

Aja is also used as a boy name, ranked #21440.

View Aja as a boy name →

Similar Names

Asa Maya Chaya Maha Aysha Asya Asiya Ayah

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Frequently Asked Questions About Aja

What does the name Aja mean?

"unborn, eternal soul" (from Sanskrit). "forest deity, healer" (from Yoruba). Aja has dual origins that give it remarkable depth. In Sanskrit, it means one who is not born or unborn, referencing the eternal nature of the soul in Hindu philosophy — also an epithet of Brahma and Shiva. In Yoruba tradition from Nigeria, Aja is the name of a powerful orisha (deity) of the forest, wild animals, and herbal healers. The name carries both spiritual gravitas and a connection to the natural world.

What is the origin of the name Aja?

Aja has Sanskrit, Yoruba, Indian, Nigerian, and American origins. In Sanskrit, it means "unborn, eternal soul". In Yoruba, it means "forest deity, healer".

Is Aja a boy or girl name?

Aja is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2617. As a boy name, it is ranked #21440. Aja is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Aja?

Aja is pronounced EYE-uh.

How popular is the name Aja?

Aja is currently ranked #2617 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Aja?

Common nicknames for Aja include AJ.

What are good middle names for Aja?

Popular middle name pairings include Aja Marie, Aja Rose, Aja Lynn, Aja Grace, Aja Nicole, Aja Renee, and Aja Faith.

What are good sibling names for Aja?

Names that pair well with Aja as siblings include Zara, Mila, Kai, Remy, Nadia, Luca, and Nia.

How many syllables does Aja have?

Aja has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Aja a common or rare name?

Aja is an uncommon name, ranked #2617 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Aja

Aja is a girl name with Indian, Nigerian, and American origins . The name means "unborn, eternal soul" in Sanskrit .

Is Aja a boy or girl name? Aja is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,617 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #21,440. Aja is more commonly used as a girl name.

Aja is currently ranked #2,617 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Aja has 2 syllables and is pronounced EYE-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Aja include AJ. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Aja