Rising since 2002, #3,832 for girls today.
Popularity of Nalaya since 2002
Babies named Nalaya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 104 |
| 2010s | 282 |
| 2020s | 231 |
Meaning & origin
Nalaya is a modern addition to the American naming landscape, first recorded in 2002. Despite its short history, the name has steadily climbed in usage, reflecting a trend toward melodic, invented names. In 2025, it ranked 3,832, with a one in 42,297 chance of encountering a Nalaya. Its peak year was 2021, and the trajectory shows consistent growth since 2002, appealing particularly to families in California and Texas. The name's origin is uncertain, but it exemplifies contemporary naming creativity.
Nalaya is a modern invented name, first recorded in the United States in 2002. It likely follows the contemporary pattern of combining a soft consonant start with a lyrical 'aya' ending, as seen in names like Aaliyah and Malaya. The name has shown steady growth in usage, particularly in California and Texas, and saw its peak popularity in 2021.
Where Nalaya is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nala, Laya
Sibling names for Nalaya
Names that share Nalaya's style, for a brother or sister.
