R
Feminine
Finnish
Meaning & History
Reija is a Finnish female given name with uncertain origins. It may be a feminine form of the Finnish male name Reijo (itself a Finnish form of Gregory) or a Finnish adaptation of the Swedish name Freja, derived from Norse Freya (the name of the goddess of love and fertility). Some etymologists also suggest a link to the Swedish name Rea, a short form of names beginning with Regin-. The name first appeared in the early 20th century, a period when many new Finnish names were coined or borrowed from Nordic traditions.
According to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency of Finland, as of August 2025, Reija ranks as the 297th most common female given name in Finland. It is borne by about 1,677 women as a first name, with an additional 118 women having it as a middle name. Reija is predominantly used in Finland and is rare outside Nordic countries.
According to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency of Finland, as of August 2025, Reija ranks as the 297th most common female given name in Finland. It is borne by about 1,677 women as a first name, with an additional 118 women having it as a middle name. Reija is predominantly used in Finland and is rare outside Nordic countries.
Cultural Context
As a relatively modern Finnish name, Reija reflects the broader Finnish naming tradition of creating feminine forms from male names or adopting Nordic mythological names. The potential connection to Freya imbues the name with a sense of classical mythology and femininity.- Meaning: Possible feminine form of Reijo (watchful, alert) or Finnish form of Freja (Freya, a Norse goddess)
- Origin: Finnish, Swedish, Old Norse
- Type: Given name
- Usage: Finnish (female)
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Reija