Alja

Alja is a South Slavic feminine given name, most commonly used in Slovenia, functioning as a short form of Aleksandra or sometimes Aljaž in its masculine form. It derives ultimately from the Greek name Alexandros, composed of the elements alexein, meaning to defend, and aner, meaning man, thus carrying the sense of defender of men. The name gained wider regional use through the popularity of longer Aleksandra-based names across the former Yugoslav states. Related forms include Aleksandra, Aljaž, and Aljuša.