The name Eija is a girl's name of Finnish origin meaning "delight, encouragement".

A popular Finnish choice back in the 50s and 60s, Eija is a sweet and cheerful name with contested origins. Some sources suggest it comes from eijaa or heijaa, words that are used more so in hymns or old literature rather than in everyday Finnish. In this case, it borrows from the Latin eia meaning "aha" come on!", a happy phrase of delight, playfulness, and encouragement. 
 
An alternative interpretation is that Eija emerged as a diminutive of Erja, Irja, Eila, Eivor, or Eira, based on mispronunciations of these names by young children (similar to how Sally, Molly, and Dolly emerged). There's also the possibility that it borrows from the Old Norse name Eyja, meaning "good fortune" or "always", or the Icelandic word for "island", eyja. 
 
Notable bearers of the name include photographer and video artist, Eija-Liisa Ahtila, actress Eija Vilpas, and model Eija Skarsgård (daughter of Stellan Skarsgård).

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