MallowbyNames

Chanya

CHAHN-yah · Moon, or of the moon, in Thai.

Peak popularity
2006
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Chanya since 1996

Babies named Chanya per year in U.S. Social Security records.

61117200020102020Most births 2006Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1990s29
2000s127
2010s31
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Chanya first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1996, modestly gaining attention through the early 2000s. Its peak year was 2006, but it has since remained stable in usage, never entering the national top 1,000. The name's trajectory suggests a small but consistent number of parents each year are drawn to its clear Thai meaning of 'moon' and its melodic two-syllable sound. While no state stands out as a particular stronghold, the name appeals to families seeking a feminine, nature-inspired name with connections to Southeast Asian heritage. Its ranking data shows that Chanya is a rare choice, but its stability over decades indicates it has staying power among those who choose it.

Chanya is a Thai name meaning 'moon' or 'of the moon'. It derives from the Sanskrit word 'chandra' (moon), adopted into Thai as 'chan' (moon) with a feminine suffix. The name has been used in Thailand since the late 20th century, gaining steady but limited popularity in the 2000s.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Chan, Ya

Variants: Chanaya, Chanya

Sibling names for Chanya

Names that share Chanya's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Chanya, our favorite little girl.

C is for Chanya…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Chanya's letter becomes Chanya's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Chanya's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Chanya mean?
Chanya means 'moon' in Thai, derived from the Sanskrit word 'chandra'.
How popular is the name Chanya currently?
Chanya has not ranked among the top 1,000 names in the U.S. in any recent year. Its peak year was 2006, though it remains rare.
Is Chanya a boy or girl name?
Chanya is almost exclusively used as a feminine name in Thailand and the U.S.