Rising since 1985, #644 for girls today.
Popularity of Aya since 1972
Babies named Aya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 65 |
| 1980s | 183 |
| 1990s | 587 |
| 2000s | 1,779 |
| 2010s | 2,956 |
| 2020s | 2,417 |
Meaning & origin
First recorded in the United States in 1972, Aya has seen a steady climb in popularity, especially since 1985. As of 2025, it ranks 644th for girls, with 1 in 3,580 female births receiving the name. Its peak year was in 2024. The name is most popular in Michigan, Massachusetts, and Illinois. Aya's multicultural appeal stems from its distinct meanings in Arabic and Japanese, giving it depth and global resonance. The name's rise reflects a broader trend toward short, vowel-rich international names. While not among the top 100, its trajectory shows consistent growth, suggesting enduring appeal.
Aya has multiple origins. In Arabic, it means 'sign', 'miracle', or 'verse' (of the Quran), and has been used as a female given name across the Muslim world for centuries. In Japanese, Aya can be a female name meaning 'color', 'design', or 'beautiful', written with various kanji characters. The name gained broader international visibility in the late 20th century.
Where Aya 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.
“Aya” around the world
Where Aya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#52
in 2024
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
New Zealand
10
babies in 2025
Quebec
#82
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Sibling names for Aya
Names that share Aya's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Noor, Layla, Maya, Sara, Zara, Aja, Ami, Irie, Malak, Zuri, Dua, Eman, Hiba, Neta, Nisa, Aija, Arisa, Asani, Ayari, Eri, Kenza, Meka, Mi, Nou, Rahaf, Rei, Saya, Taiya, Zahari, Zoha, Adja, Aima, Bana, Bani, Dhiya, Duha, Esraa, Gelila, Masa, Nari, Sachi, Monai, Akaya, Akya, Ayomi, Doaa, Emika, Ikeya, Kanna, Khaya, Naraya, Neveen, Olani, Saaya, Tesneem, Xola, Zuha
Brothers: Omar, Adam, Isa, Zayn, Rayan, Anas, Ayan, Kota, Kage, Akai, Chaka, Kao, Kou, Yu, Zan, Zayde, Badr, Ein, Hady, Ihan, Jibri, Papa, Sekai, Taji, Asan, Asaya, Ashai, Jahon, Jumaane, Khayir, Kito, Kiyo, Nagi, Renji
