Rising since 1992, #1,710 for girls today.
Popularity of Aleyah since 1991
Babies named Aleyah per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2012, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Aleyah's real moment was 2021.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 281 |
| 2000s | 744 |
| 2010s | 1,071 |
| 2020s | 709 |
Meaning & origin
Aleyah first entered U.S. records in 1991 and has seen a generally rising trajectory since 1992. The name reached its peak rank in 2021, and in the latest year (2025) it held a rank of 1,710, with approximately 1 in every 13,506 baby girls receiving the name. Its popularity has been most notable in Georgia, Texas, and Florida. As a spelling variant of Aaliyah, the name carries a modern yet culturally rooted feel, appealing to parents seeking a familiar sound with a distinctive look. The name's association with the late singer Aaliyah continues to influence its use, though its etymology stretches back to classical Arabic. Aleyah fits well with contemporary naming trends that favor melodic, feminine names with clear pronunciation.
Aleyah is a spelling variant of Aaliyah, which derives from the Arabic root 'alā (علا), meaning "to be high" or "to ascend." The name has been used in Arabic-speaking communities for centuries, typically as a feminine form of Ali. Its popularity in the United States surged after the 1990s, influenced by the late singer Aaliyah.
Where Aleyah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Aleyah” around the world
Where Aleyah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ali, Lia, Lee
Sibling names for Aleyah
Names that share Aleyah's style, for a brother or sister.
