Declining since 2003, #1,132 for girls today.
Popularity of Kaya since 1968
Babies named Kaya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 12 | 0 |
| 1970s | 93 | 5 |
| 1980s | 191 | 27 |
| 1990s | 975 | 91 |
| 2000s | 4,473 | 284 |
| 2010s | 3,104 | 167 |
| 2020s | 1,466 | 88 |
Meaning & origin
Kaya is a name of uncertain origin that has been used in the United States since 1968. It saw a notable rise in popularity during the early 2000s, reaching its peak rank in 2004. Since then, its usage has been falling, a trend that has continued through 2025, when it ranked 1132. The name is relatively uncommon, with about 1 in 7,802 girls receiving it that year. Kaya has shown particular appeal in states like Arizona, Utah, and New Jersey, suggesting regional preferences. While its exact etymology is debated, multiple possible derivations give the name a broad cross-cultural resonance.
The name Kaya has multiple possible origins. It may be a modern invented name, perhaps influenced by or a variant of Kaia (from Gaia). Alternatively, it could derive from the Turkish word 'kaya' meaning 'rock' or 'cliff'. In Japanese, Kaya is a feminine name meaning 'added increase' or can refer to a type of yew tree. The name has been used in the United States since the late 1960s and gained popularity in the early 2000s.
Where Kaya is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kaya” around the world
Where Kaya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Kaya
Names that share Kaya's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maya, Lila, Naya, Ayla, Kaia, Endia, Gracie, Laya, Malaya, Niyah, Taya, Tehya, Adia, Aysia, Damya, Kalaya, Kamaya, Kelis, Kiani, Lakota, Layah, Myia, Nairobi, Nubia, Tayah, Alleah, Anyia, Dajia, Demya, Jaleyah, Jayma, Kashia, Kayda, Kemya, Kendi, Kijana, Kiva, Maiah, Manya, Matia, Maylen, Meia, Mikela, Myleah, Nandi, Nataya, Niara, Nyari, Sequoyah, Taiya, Tapanga, Wenona, Wenonah, Zanaya, Akela, Alee, Ashaki, Beya, Braya, Brya, Catori, Ikia, Jmya, Kalah, Kanaya, Kesi, Khia, Khiya, Kyrra, Maisha, Miaya, Neeva, Nyema, Nyja, Nzinga, Pocahontas, Ramaya, Reyah, Taeya, Tangi, Teyah, Timya, Tyjah, Zeya, Akya, Aquinnah, Dakiya, Damyia, Dnyla, Faya, Idara, Javia, Jemya, Jendayi, Kada, Kahri, Kalasia, Kariya, Kayari, Keina, Kemba, Keyle, Laneya, Makhya, Maylah, Naiah, Nakoma, Neyah, Nyala, Nylaa, Saaya, Sacheen, Shaia, Sunya, Tayia, Tuere, Vaya, Xola, Zlaty
Brothers: Kai, Leo, Milo, Ezra, Finn, Takoda, Asante, Chayton, Geronimo, Kenai, Khaza, Chaka, Hiawatha, Josyah, Kemon, Yohance, Askia, Ayo, Jakhai, Jayko, Keian, Khazi, Kiron, Kwane, Kyel, Lakoda, Mansa, Mayco, Michai, Nakota, Quanah, Shaka, Tyee, Kache, Kenyatte, Mandela, Kalden, Kashe, Kayan, Massai, Meeko, Micco, Simba, Sundiata
Names like Kaya
Names whose popularity has moved with Kaya's over the last 50 years.
