Freia is a female given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse word 'Freyja', the name of one of the principal goddesses in Norse mythology associated with love, beauty, fertility, and war. It begins with a soft 'F' sound, followed by a smooth middle syllable, and ends with a gentle 'a', creating a pleasing rhythm. In various languages, Freia translates to meanings like peace/freedom (German), free (Italian), and gentle lady (Swedish). Notable figures named Freia include Freia Ridder, a prominent figure in Germany's early women's movement. The name has also appeared in popular culture, such as the fantasy novel series "The Iron King" by Julie Kagawa.