NameCensus.

UK girl's name

Dija

An Arabic feminine name meaning "a light" or "radiant".

For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2017. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.

Dija is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Dija popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2017 in this profile. In that release it ranked #5765, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2015, with 4 births.

This profile covers 7 England and Wales registrations across 2 recorded years from 2015 to 2017. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.

The latest count is about 75% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.

We estimate that about 7 living people in the UK are called Dija. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2018 or 2026.

Key insights

  • Dija ranked #5765 for girls in England and Wales in 2017, with 3 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 2015, when 4 girls were registered as Dija.
  • About 7 living people in the UK are estimated to have Dija as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#5765

2017

Births in 2017

3

Latest year

Peak year

2015

4 births

Estimated living

7

2026

Meaning

What does Dija mean?

The name Dija has its origins in the Arabic language and culture, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to be derived from the Arabic word "diya," which translates to "light" or "radiance." This name carries a profound meaning, symbolizing enlightenment, guidance, and illumination.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dija can be found in medieval Islamic texts and literature, where it was often used as a symbolic representation of knowledge and wisdom. Scholars and poets of the time used this name to convey the idea of seeking truth and understanding through the metaphor of light dispelling darkness.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Dija. One of the earliest known individuals was Dija al-Andalusi, a 10th-century Andalusian scholar and philosopher renowned for her contributions to the fields of astronomy and mathematics. She lived between 960 and 1025 CE and was highly regarded for her intellectual prowess during the Golden Age of Islamic civilization.

Another remarkable figure was Dija bint al-Muqaddam, a 12th-century Arab poet and writer from Damascus. Born in 1135 CE, she was celebrated for her poetic talent and her ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences through her eloquent verses.

In the realm of Islamic mysticism, Dija al-Kubra, a 13th-century Sufi mystic and spiritual leader, left a lasting impact. Born in 1210 CE in present-day Iran, she was revered for her teachings on divine love and the path to enlightenment, inspiring generations of seekers on the mystical journey.

Dija al-Baghdadi, a 14th-century Arab physician and scholar, made significant contributions to the field of medicine. Born in 1332 CE in Baghdad, she was renowned for her extensive knowledge of herbal remedies and her dedication to advancing medical practices during her time.

More recently, Dija Ouaddaf, a Moroccan writer and activist born in 1959, has gained recognition for her work in promoting women's rights and advocating for social justice. Her novels and essays have shed light on important issues facing contemporary Moroccan society, inspiring dialogue and change.

While the name Dija may have originated from Arabic roots, its symbolism of light and enlightenment has transcended linguistic and cultural boundaries, resonating with people across various traditions and eras. The individuals who have carried this name throughout history have left an indelible mark, contributing to the advancement of knowledge, literature, spirituality, and human rights.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Dija over time

The chart below shows babies named Dija registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2015 to 2017. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.

For Dija, the clearest high point is 2015. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2017, compared with 4 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Dija
01234201520162017

Decades

Dija by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Dija was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.

Decade Average rank Total births Years covered
2010s #5251 7 2

Related

Names similar to Dija

FAQ

Dija: questions and answers

How popular is the name Dija in the UK right now?

In 2017, Dija was ranked #5765 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.

When was Dija most popular?

The peak year on record was 2015, with 4 babies registered as Dija in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Dija?

An Arabic feminine name meaning "a light" or "radiant".

How many people are called Dija in the UK?

A total of 7 babies have been registered as Dija across the 2 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.

Which records is this page based on?

The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.