Holding steady.
Popularity of Chayah since 1999
Babies named Chayah per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2007, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Chayah's real moment was 2023.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 39 |
| 2010s | 39 |
| 2020s | 28 |
Meaning & origin
Chayah, a Hebrew name meaning 'life', first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1999. It has maintained a low but stable presence, with its peak popularity in 2023. The name is more common in Jewish communities and reflects a modern revival of traditional Hebrew names. Because the name is rare, it offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with strong spiritual roots in 'life.'
Chayah is a feminine Hebrew name from the root חי (chai), meaning 'life' or 'living'. It appears in the Hebrew Bible as a term for 'living creature' but is not used as a personal name there. In modern times it has been embraced, particularly in Jewish communities, and given new life as a baby name. It shares its root with the popular masculine name Chaim and the feminine Chava (Eve).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Chaya
Sibling names for Chayah
Names that share Chayah's style, for a brother or sister.
