Holding steady.
Popularity of Moya since 1923
Babies named Moya per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2003, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Moya's real moment was 1971.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 17 |
| 1930s | 29 |
| 1940s | 22 |
| 1950s | 52 |
| 1960s | 71 |
| 1970s | 90 |
| 1980s | 89 |
| 1990s | 73 |
| 2000s | 125 |
| 2010s | 54 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Moya is a distinctive Irish name with uncertain roots, first recorded in the U.S. in 1923. It saw modest use in the mid-20th century, reaching its peak rank in 1971, though it never entered the top 1000. Since then, its usage has remained stable but rare, reflecting its appeal among families seeking a melodious and uncommon name with Irish heritage. The name's trajectory suggests a loyal but small following, with no recent surge in popularity.
Moya is generally considered an Irish name, possibly derived from the Gaelic name Maolmhuaidh, meaning 'great chief' or 'proud chief'. Alternatively, it may be a variant of Moyra or the anglicized form of Máire. The name has been in use since the early 20th century, with a peak in the 1970s.
“Moya” around the world
Where Moya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mo
Sibling names for Moya
Names that share Moya's style, for a brother or sister.
