Rising since 1995, #5,554 for girls today.
Popularity of Kayah since 1994
Babies named Kayah per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2007, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kayah's real moment was 2015.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 29 |
| 2000s | 186 |
| 2010s | 201 |
| 2020s | 96 |
Meaning & origin
Kayah is a modern name first recorded in the United States in 1994, and it has been used primarily for girls ever since. The name experienced a peak in popularity in 2015, though it has never been common. Its trajectory has been rising steadily since 1995, indicating slow but consistent growth in usage. As a rare name, it offers a unique choice for parents seeking something that stands out without being unconventional. The name's origins are uncertain, but it is likely a creative variant of names like Kaya or Kaia, which themselves have diverse roots. Unlike many modern coinages that surge and fade, Kayah has maintained a quiet presence over the decades, appealing to those who prefer a name that is both fresh and established.
Kayah is a modern coinage, likely a respelling or variation of names like Kaya (which may be derived from the Hopi word for 'elder sister' or a Japanese name) or Kaia (a Scandinavian diminutive of Katarina). Its use in the United States began in the 1990s, and it has been given primarily to girls, though it remains relatively rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kay, Kaya
Sibling names for Kayah
Names that share Kayah's style, for a brother or sister.
