Naija is an emerging unisex given name of African origin, predominantly used within the Nigerian community but gaining global recognition. It is derived from the name Nigeria, which itself is a portmanteau of the words 'Niger' and 'Area'. The name Naija reflects a sense of pride, identity, and nationalism among Nigerians and those with Nigerian heritage worldwide. While it may not have a long-established historical or mythological background like some traditional names, its modern origins speak to the power of national identity and cultural assertion in the 21st century.
The name Naija experienced varied popularity over the years, with significant fluctuations in birth counts annually. The highest number of births was recorded in 2019 with 33, while the lowest occurred in 1995 and 2007 with just 5 births each year. The total number of births from 1992 to 2023 is 383.