Rising since 1986, #336 for girls today.
Popularity of Anaya since 1978
Babies named Anaya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 13 |
| 1980s | 42 |
| 1990s | 542 |
| 2000s | 5,392 |
| 2010s | 7,186 |
| 2020s | 4,822 |
Meaning & origin
Anaya is a name of Arabic origin meaning 'care' or 'guardian', reflecting a gentle yet responsible spirit. First recorded in U.S. data in 1978, the name has been on a steady upward trajectory since 1986, reaching its peak rank of 336 in 2025; that year, it occurred at a rate of 1 in 1,764 births. Its rising popularity mirrors a broader interest in melodic, vowel-heavy names. Anaya is most concentrated in Maryland (MD), New Jersey (NJ), and New York (NY), suggesting regional appeal, especially in diverse urban centers. The name fits comfortably alongside contemporary favorites like Maya, Aisha, and Zara, offering a blend of cultural depth and modern style. Parents drawn to Anaya often appreciate its lyrical sound and its meaningful yet understated etymology.
Anaya is derived from the Arabic word 'anāya', meaning 'care', 'concern', or 'protection'. The name has been used in various forms across the Arabic-speaking world and gained popularity in the United States from the late 20th century onward, particularly among families with South Asian and Middle Eastern heritage.
Where Anaya 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.
“Anaya” around the world
Where Anaya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
260
babies in 2024
Ireland
19
babies in 2025
New Zealand
34
babies in 2025
Quebec
30
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ana, Ani, Naya
Sibling names for Anaya
Names that share Anaya's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aisha, Maya, Zara, Leila, Noor, Aarna, Alaysha, Amiya, Dasani, Janaya, Kamya, Riya, Aarya, Ahana, Ajah, Akasha, Alizae, Ishani, Janyla, Jiya, Khalani, Leylani, Meera, Myasia, Navya, Samaira, Sanai, Shanaya, Aaradhya, Aarvi, Aashi, Adhya, Advika, Alaisha, Ameya, Amirrah, Anaira, Anasia, Anilah, Aradhya, Arisha, Arshia, Avika, Bianey, Dhara, Eesha, Iasia, Ishana, Isyss, Jakiah, Jayana, Jisselle, Kaliya, Keianna, Keilany, Khaliya, Kimaya, Kylani, Malaia, Malasia, Mannat, Meher, Miasia, Myonna, Nayelis, Saisha, Sanam, Satya, Sitara, Suhana, Talaysia, Tanae, Viha, Yanelli, Zanyla, Aadhira, Aastha, Aayra, Adanya, Adya, Ahaana, Ahlani, Ahtziry, Alayzia, Anahis, Anaika, Anaria, Aneli, Aneya, Anishka, Arohi, Arshiya, Ashana, Atira, Ayeza, Ayona, Dashanti, Donasia, Heer, Indiyah, Jamaiya, Janaria, Kaiana, Kanaya, Khalise, Kyona, Lavanya, Maylani, Navany, Nyeli, Roniya, Sadira, Sanvika, Talasia, Vaanya, Vihana, Xiamara, Zarayah, Aanshi, Mekala, Pranshi, Aanaya, Aaryana, Adasha, Afsana, Ailanni, Aitiana, Ajanay, Ajanee, Alayasia, Ananiah, Anasha, Anayi, Anessia, Anikah, Aryaa, Aryahi, Ashaya, Ashyra, Atoya, Desani, Idara, Iliany, Inesha, Jaisha, Jakaiya, Kashish, Kemaria, Keyuna, Krisna, Melaya, Mikeria, Minal, Moksha, Monasia, Naileah, Navika, Nikaya, Nilaya, Nitara, Oneka, Oviya, Parisha, Pihu, Preesha, Priyana, Radhya, Rajanae, Riyanshi, Sevana, Shaasia, Sharvi, Shreshta, Simara, Siniyah, Sisira, Somya, Svara, Vaniya, Vinisha, Yuktha
Brothers: Ayaan, Zayn, Omar, Kai, Eli, Aarav, Aryan, Dariel, Dhruv, Ved, Aaryan, Aayush, Ashwin, Atharv, Ayush, Jacari, Pharaoh, Reyansh, Rishaan, Shaan, Aadvik, Aahan, Advay, Ahaan, Arhaan, Arsh, Avik, Ayaansh, Daksh, Demontre, Dhruva, Ekam, Jaquon, Moksh, Nayan, Nirvaan, Param, Rudransh, Shiven, Tanay, Tanish, Tanush, Tavarus, Tej, Vedansh, Viraaj, Yuvan, Adhrit, Akul, Aryaman, Aryav, Avyay, Ayansh, Havish, Jawaan, Kavari, Kavir, Kemet, Kiandre, Nalin, Naren, Nihaal, Paras, Praneel, Prayan, Rayansh, Reyaansh, Ronav, Sahas, Sartaj, Shivan, Shivay, Shray, Vadhir, Vansh, Xzavien, Yobani, Anvit, Nevaan, Aadith, Aanav, Aavyan, Adhrith, Akaash, Aseem, Dariyon, Devarsh, Dhruvan, Dymir, Harshiv, Kanav, Kashis, Khush, Khyir, Kiansh, Krrish, Manvik, Markai, Maurya, Medhansh, Nakari, Nilay, Pranish, Rushi, Saagar, Saahas, Sanay, Srihaan, Srijan, Sriyan, Tahji, Tanav, Terrius, Vedaant, Vedh, Vishruth, Yugan, Zoraiz
Names like Anaya
Names whose popularity has moved with Anaya's over the last 50 years.
