Rising since 1999, #2,514 for girls today.
Popularity of Naliyah since 1998
Babies named Naliyah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 376 |
| 2010s | 550 |
| 2020s | 390 |
Meaning & origin
Naliyah is a modern invented name that entered American birth records in 1998, making it a relatively recent addition to the naming landscape. Its usage has risen steadily, particularly since 1999, and it reached a peak rank in 2024. In 2025, it ranked 2,514th with about 1 in 22,961 girls receiving the name. Naliyah is most popular in Michigan, Florida, and New York. The name's appeal likely stems from its melodic sound and resemblance to well-established names like Aaliyah and Nala, combined with the trendy -yah suffix. Despite its short history, Naliyah has carved out a small but consistent presence, reflecting contemporary naming preferences that favor invented, phonetic creations.
Naliyah first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1998. It is likely a modern invention, formed by blending the fashionable elements of names such as Nala (of Swahili or literary origin) and Aaliyah (Arabic, meaning 'exalted'), along with a popular -yah suffix. Its use has steadily increased since the late 1990s, particularly in the 2020s.
Where Naliyah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Naliyah” around the world
Where Naliyah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nali, Leah, Nia
Sibling names for Naliyah
Names that share Naliyah's style, for a brother or sister.
