Irja is a Finnish feminine given name, most likely a diminutive of Irina, the form of the name Irene used in several languages. The ultimate origin is the Greek name Εἰρήνη (Eirene), which means "peace." In Greek mythology, Eirene was the goddess of peace, one of the Horai (the seasons). The name was also borne by several early Christian saints, contributing to its spread across Europe. By the 8th century, it was common in the Byzantine Empire, most famously held by Empress Irene, the first woman to rule the empire in her own right. Usage and Cultural Significance Irja reflects the Finnish tendency to adapt foreign names into short, melodious forms ending in -a or -ja. The suffix may denote endearment or simply conform to typical Finnish feminine naming patterns. Variants such as Arja and Erja share a similar phonetic style. While Irja is primarily used in Finland, it has a modest presence in neighboring Estonia and occasionally elsewhere. Notable Bearers Notable Finns bearing the name include Irja Askola (born 1952), a bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the first woman to hold that office in the church; Irja Hagfors (1905–1988), a dance artist and choreographer; Irja Lipasti (1905–2000), an Olympic sprinter; and Irja Seurujärvi-Kari (born 1947), a Sámi politician and academic. In Estonia, Irja Aav (1944–1995) was a stage actress, and Irja Koikson (born 1980) is a footballer. Swedish novelist Irja Agnes Browallius (1901–1968) is also recorded. Meaning: "peace" (from Greek Eirene) Origin: Finnish diminutive of Irina (Irene), ultimately Greek Type: feminine given name Usage regions: Finland, Estonia, Sweden