Rising since 2002, #1,059 for girls today.
Popularity of Liyana since 1994
Babies named Liyana per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 112 |
| 2010s | 682 |
| 2020s | 882 |
Meaning & origin
Liyana is a name of Arabic and Sanskrit origin that entered the U.S. naming scene relatively recently. First recorded for girls in 1994, it has been steadily climbing in popularity, especially since 2002. In 2025, it ranked 1059th, with about 1 in 6928 newborn girls receiving the name, and it achieved its highest rank yet that year. The name is most common in the states of Maryland, New York, and Massachusetts, reflecting its appeal among diverse, multicultural communities. Its soft sound and gentle meaning have helped it stand out as a modern choice that feels both exotic and accessible.
Liyana is a name with multiple possible origins. In Arabic, it is often linked to the root "layyin" (soft, gentle) or "liyan" (tenderness, flexibility), making it a virtue name associated with gentleness. In Sanskrit, "liyana" can mean attached or merged, connected to the concept of absorption or dissolution. The name gained modern usage in English-speaking countries primarily through Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities, and its popularity has been rising since the 1990s.
Where Liyana is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Liyana” around the world
Where Liyana lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
95
babies in 2024
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Liya, Ana, Lili
Sibling names for Liyana
Names that share Liyana's style, for a brother or sister.
