Declining since 2012, #6,838 for girls today.
Popularity of Iniya since 2001
Babies named Iniya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 124 |
| 2010s | 219 |
| 2020s | 117 |
Meaning & origin
Iniya first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2001, and by 2025 it ranked 6,838, with about 1 in every 100,454 newborn girls receiving the name. Its peak popularity came in 2012, when it reached its highest rank, but it has been on a steady decline since then. The name is of Tamil origin, meaning 'sweet' or 'pleasant,' and is predominantly used within South Indian communities. While it has not broken into any state-level top ranks, its presence in the U.S. reflects the growing diversity of naming practices. Iniya's gentle sound and positive meaning make it a distinctive choice for families seeking a name rooted in Tamil culture.
Iniya is derived from the Tamil word இனிய (iṉiya), meaning 'sweet' or 'pleasant'. It is a feminine name used predominantly in South India, especially among Tamil-speaking communities. The name has gained some popularity in the United States since the early 2000s, reflecting the diaspora's naming traditions.
“Iniya” around the world
Where Iniya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Iniya
Names that share Iniya's style, for a brother or sister.
