Tunja
A girl's name of Native American origin with 22 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Tunja peaked during the Baby Boom, when 10 babies received this name in a single year (1964). That era was defined by classic, post-war American naming, and Tunja has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Tunja is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Tunja is a rare feminine name in American records. In Colombia, Tunja is the name of a historic Andean city — the capital of Boyacá department — founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1539 on the site of the ancient Muisca settlement of Hunza.
As a given name, Tunja is extremely rare in the U.S., but its geographic connection gives it cultural weight. Parents with Colombian or South American heritage may choose it as a meaningful nod to that history.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Tunja belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their open, warm ending — a soft ending that crosses many language boundaries. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Native American naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Native American names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Tunja’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Tunja has 3+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1964.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 7 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 15 | — |
The Story of Tunja
A Baby Boomer name
Peaking in 1964, Tunja is a timeless Baby Boomer name. Girls named Tunja are most likely born between 1964 and 1970.
How rare is Tunja?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Tunja is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1964, peaked in the 1960s with 15 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(3 years, 1964–1970)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 7 | #7034 |
| 1969 | 5 | #8643 |
| 1964 | 10 | #4618 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tunja a boy's or girl's name?
When was Tunja most popular?
How popular is the name Tunja?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1964–1970