Maarja is an Estonian feminine given name, considered the Estonian form of Maria. The name has deep roots in the Hebrew name Miriam, which is the origin of both Mary and Maria. In Estonia, Maarja is a common name, reflecting the country's linguistic adaptation of the Germanic and Latin versions of the biblical name.The name Maarja has been popular in Estonia for centuries, often given in honor of the Virgin Mary. It is used as both a first name and a middle name, and has several diminutive and variant forms, including Maarika, Mall, and Mare. The variant Mari is also common in Estonia.Notable bearers of the name include Maarja-Liis Ilus (born 1980), a singer who represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest; Maarja Kangro (born 1973), a poet and writer; and Maarja Kruusmaa (born 1970), a computer scientist and professor. The name is also associated with places such as Maarja-Magdaleena, a village in Jõgeva County, and Väike-Maarja, a settlement in Lääne-Viru County.Meaning: Estonian variant of Maria, ultimate source Mary (Hebrew Miriam)Origin: EstonianType: Feminine given nameUsage: EstoniaRelated Forms: Mari, Maari, Maarja, Marje, Marju; diminutives: Maarika, Maia, Mall, Malle, Mare, Marika