MallowbyNames

Katalaya

kat-uh-LAY-uh · Of uncertain origin; possibly a modern invented name.

2025 rank (girls)
#4,758
Babies named in 2025
28
Peak popularity
2014
2025 frequency
1 in 57,402 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #4,758 for girls today.

Popularity of Katalaya since 2012

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

1937562020Most births 2014Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
2010s288
2020s191

Meaning & origin

Katalaya is a modern invented name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2012. It reached its peak popularity in 2014, coinciding with a broader trend of names ending in the fashionable '-aya' sound. By 2025, it ranked 4,758th, with an estimated 1 in 57,402 baby girls receiving the name that year, a rate that has remained relatively stable since it entered the top 5,000. The name is most commonly given in California, reflecting its emergence in a state known for diverse and innovative naming choices. Katalaya's etymology is uncertain; it likely blends elements from names like Katalina (a Spanish form of Katherine) and Alaya (a variant of Aaliyah), creating a melodic and contemporary feel. As a recent coinage, it carries no traditional cultural or religious associations, making it a purely modern choice that appeals to parents seeking a unique yet accessible name for their daughters.

Katalaya first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2012, likely a modern coinage blending sounds from names like Katalina (a Spanish variant of Katherine) and Alaya (a variant of Aaliyah). The name has no established etymology or traditional meaning and is used almost exclusively in the United States.

Where Katalaya is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Kata, Laya, Kay

Variants: Catalaya, Katalaia

Sibling names for Katalaya

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

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

K is for Katalaya, our favorite little girl.

K is for Katalaya…”

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

Make Katalaya's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does Katalaya mean?
The meaning of Katalaya is uncertain; it is likely a modern invented name combining elements from other names such as Katalina and Alaya.
How popular is Katalaya?
Katalaya ranked 4,758 in the United States in 2025, with approximately 1 in 57,402 baby girls given that name that year. Its peak popularity was in 2014.
Is Katalaya a boy or girl name?
Katalaya is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.