Rising since 1986, #368 for girls today.
Popularity of Alaya since 1979
Babies named Alaya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 41 |
| 1990s | 324 |
| 2000s | 1,616 |
| 2010s | 4,065 |
| 2020s | 5,044 |
Meaning & origin
Alaya is a modern American name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1979. It has been on a rising trajectory since 1986, reaching its peak popularity in 2020. As of 2025, it ranks 368th with a frequency of about 1 in 1,927 births. The name is especially common in New Mexico, Louisiana, and Mississippi. While its exact origin is unclear, it is often considered a creative spelling variant of names like Alayah or Aaliyah, possibly influenced by the Arabic word for 'exalted'. Its steady climb reflects broader naming trends favoring melodic, vowel-rich names ending in 'a'.
Alaya is a modern American coinage, likely a respelling or variant of names like Alayah or Aaliyah. It may draw from the Arabic root 'aliya', meaning 'to rise' or 'to be exalted', but there is no direct Arabic usage of 'Alaya' as a traditional name. Its popularity in the United States began in the late 20th century and has risen steadily since the 1980s.
Where Alaya is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Alaya” around the world
Where Alaya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
30
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ala, Lala
Sibling names for Alaya
Names that share Alaya's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ariella, Elliana, Milana, Sienna, Zara, Jalaya, Janaya, Kalaya, Lanaya, Talaya, Adaya, Alahia, Analaya, Catalaya, Delayza, Jaiana, Jaionna, Janaiya, Jazara, Kaleya, Makeyla, Nevayah, Takyra, Teaira, Zalaya, Ahlaya, Alonah, Dalaya, Janeya, Lanayah, Lataya, Lenaya, Markeya, Naleah, Nevaya, Saleah, Zamantha, Jadaya, Naliya, Salaya, Akeira, Alazae, Avyonna, Camyah, Icess, Jahnaya, Jalaia, Janaisha, Kalaia, Keiondra, Kelaya, Keylah, Maleiah, Marijah, Mikeya, Neyah, Sinaya, Tanaja, Tenea, Tinaya, Vaya, Zelaya
Brothers: Elijah, Isaiah, Caleb, Micah, Kai, Chavis, Diamonte, Jayshaun, Xyaire
Names like Alaya
Names whose popularity has moved with Alaya's over the last 50 years.
