Alja is a Slovenian female given name. It is a diminutive of Aleksandra, and is used primarily in Slovenia.EtymologyAlja derives from Aleksandra, which itself is a form of Alexandra. Alexandra is the feminine form of Alexander, from the Greek name Ἀλέξανδρος (Alexandros), meaning "defending men" or "protector of mankind." In Greek mythology, Alexandra was an epithet of the goddess Hera and an alternate name of Cassandra. The name was borne by several early Christian saints and by Alexandra Feodorovna, the wife of Nicholas II, the last tsar of Russia. She was born Prinzessin Alix von Hessen-Darmstadt and took the name Aleksandra upon converting to the Russian Orthodox Church.Notable BearersSeveral notable Slovenian women bear the name Alja. Alja Kozorog (born 1996) is a Slovenian slalom canoeist who competes in the K1 discipline at the international level. Alja Omladič (born 1983) is a Slovenian pop singer, known for her participation in the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. The name also appears in the sports world through Alja Varagić and Alja Vrček (both born in the 1990s), Slovenian handball players. Outside Slovenia, Alja Robinson Crook (1864–1930) was an American academic and educator.Cultural Significance and UsageAlja is a diminutive form, indicating affection or familiarity, and is one of several variants of Aleksandra used in Slovenian. Other variants include Saša and Saška, while the masculine form is Aleksander. The name is modestly popular within Slovenia and is sometimes considered a modern or shortened alternative to the longer Aleksandra.Meaning: Diminutive of Aleksandra (defending men)Origin: SlovenianType: Feminine given nameUsage Regions: Predominantly Slovenia