Declining since 2019, #158 for girls today.
Popularity of Arya since 1982
Babies named Arya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 10 | 140 |
| 1990s | 78 | 284 |
| 2000s | 1,229 | 864 |
| 2010s | 15,433 | 723 |
| 2020s | 12,786 | 324 |
Meaning & origin
Arya first appeared on the U.S. naming charts in 1986, a modern coinage that gained rapid traction in the 2000s. Its popularity peaked in 2019, when it ranked 97th, but has since fallen slightly, ranking 158th in 2025 (1 in 865). The name is most popular in Hawaii, New Mexico, and Maryland. Its rise is largely attributed to the character Arya Stark from the bestselling book series, which brought the name to mainstream attention. While its Sanskrit roots suggest 'noble,' the name's modern usage often blends this with the musical Aria, creating a name that feels both ancient and contemporary.
Arya entered the U.S. naming pool in the late 20th century, likely inspired by the Sanskrit word ārya meaning 'noble' or 'honorable.' Its modern popularity surged after 2000, influenced by the character Arya Stark from George R.R. Martin's fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire (first published 1996). The name is also a respelling of Aria, an Italian musical term. Because of these overlapping influences, its etymology is debated.
Where Arya 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.
“Arya” around the world
Where Arya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#67
in 2024
Ireland
22
babies in 2025
New Zealand
21
babies in 2025
Quebec
39
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ari
Sibling names for Arya
Names that share Arya's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mila, Willa, Raelynn, Journee, Remington, Khaleesi, Lyanna, Daenerys, Isha, Anila, Jadis, Khalessi, Manya, Pria, Akyra, Deetya, Kaleesi, Makara, Nymeria, Saavi, Sansa, Caleesi, Sargun, Alyzae, Aryona, Asyah, Aunesti, Azyria, Iyanni, Kahleesi, Kalese, Khaleesia, Mahsa, Ryiah, Sayana
Brothers: Ezra, Asher, Kai, Finn, Leo, Avyan, Veer, Amogh, Anant, Renly, Tyrion, Vir, Zaviyar, Aryon, Daryus, Dravyn, Jorah, Mavrik, Stark, Nevaan, Akaay, Eragon, Kayhan, Oberyn
Names like Arya
Names whose popularity has moved with Arya's over the last 50 years.
