Monja

Monja is a name with two separate origins. From its Russian roots, it's an alternative form of Monya and Manya, both used diminutives of the classic Maria. In this case, it would mean "beloved", "drop of the sea", or "bitterness", due to Maria's uncertain etymology.

From its Slovene roots, however, Monja is a diminutive of Monika, likely meaning "advisor" or possibly "single, one", and while in Russia, it is used as a short form, in Slovenia, it may be used as a stand alone choice.

The name is also used in Germany, South Africa, and the Netherlands, again as a form of Monika, Mona, or Maria.

Pronounced MON-yuh.

As of October 2026, Monja ranked #6365 for girls in US births in 1963 SSA.