Katja is a female name of Slavic origin. It is derived from the Russian name Yekaterina, which is itself a form of the Greek name Aikaterine. This name has been popular in Russia and other Slavic countries for centuries.
The meaning of Katja is "pure" or "clear." This name is often associated with purity and innocence. In some cultures, it is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who bear this name.
The history of the name Katja can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the name Aikaterine was first used. Over time, this name evolved into various forms in different languages and cultures. In Russia, for example, it became Yekaterina, while in other Slavic countries, it became Katja.
Today, Katja is a popular name throughout Eastern Europe, as well as in other parts of the world where there are significant Slavic communities. It is often used as a nickname or short form of longer names such as Yekaterina or Kateryna. Despite its origins and meanings, Katja remains a simple and elegant name that has stood the test of time.
The popularity of the name Katja has seen significant fluctuations over time. Between 1963 and 1980, there were consistently fewer than 15 births per year, with a peak of just 12 in 1979. However, starting from 1984, the number of girls named Katja began to rise steadily, reaching a high of 40 births in 1994. The name's popularity continued to fluctuate throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with peaks around 35 births per year. In recent years, the number of newborn girls named Katja has declined again, with fewer than 20 births recorded each year since 2016. Overall, there have been a total of 935 births registered as Katja from 1963 to 2023.