Rising since 1989, #1,833 for girls today.
Popularity of Kalaya since 1987
Babies named Kalaya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 93 |
| 2000s | 391 |
| 2010s | 571 |
| 2020s | 498 |
Meaning & origin
Kalaya is a modern name that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1987. By 2025, it reached rank 1833, with about 1 in 14,746 newborn girls receiving the name that year. The name has been steadily rising in popularity since 1989, with its peak year coinciding with 2025. Kalaya is most frequently found in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, suggesting regional appeal. Its etymology remains uncertain, but it may be derived from the Thai word for 'leaf' or from contemporary naming trends blending sounds from names like Kaya and Alaya. As a modern coinage, Kalaya offers a melodic and distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with a soft, feminine sound.
Kalaya is a modern invented name, first recorded in the United States in 1987. It may be inspired by the Thai word 'kalaya' meaning 'leaf' or by similar-sounding names like Kaya and Alaya. The name has seen gradual use since the late 1980s, particularly in the 21st century.
Where Kalaya is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kala, Laya
Sibling names for Kalaya
Names that share Kalaya's style, for a brother or sister.
