Maija

Maija is a Finnish and Latvian form of Mary, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Miryam, whose meaning is debated but often interpreted as beloved, sea of bitterness, or drop of the sea. It has long been a popular given name in Finland and Latvia, carried by countless ordinary bearers across centuries of use. Related forms include Maija's Finnish variant Maija-Liisa as a compound name, as well as cognates Maria, Mari, and Marja found across European traditions.