Declining since 2020, #5,722 for girls today.
Popularity of Nayah since 1995
Babies named Nayah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 31 |
| 2000s | 196 |
| 2010s | 256 |
| 2020s | 148 |
Meaning & origin
Nayah is a modern name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1995, a time when creative respellings and newly invented names were gaining traction. Its usage grew modestly, reaching a peak in 2019, but has since entered a declining phase starting in 2020. In 2025, it ranked 5,722, with a 1-in-76,537 incidence among newborn girls, indicating it remains a rare choice. The name saw its strongest uptake in California, one of the top states for alternative and innovative name forms. While its origins are murky, Nayah fits a pattern of names ending in the popular '-ayah' sound, resonating with parents seeking a melodic, contemporary-sounding name for their daughters.
Nayah is a modern given name that emerged in the late 20th century in the United States. It may be a respelling or variant of names such as Naya, which itself is a modern invention perhaps influenced by names like Naomi (Hebrew, 'pleasantness') or Nadia (Slavic, 'hope'). Alternatively, it could be a creative spelling of the Arabic name Naya, meaning 'new' or 'grace'. Its exact derivation is uncertain, and it is primarily used in English-speaking countries.
Where Nayah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nayah” around the world
Where Nayah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
50
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Nayah
Names that share Nayah's style, for a brother or sister.
