Rising since 1986, #270 for girls today.
Popularity of Nayeli since 1977
Babies named Nayeli per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 214 |
| 1990s | 2,018 |
| 2000s | 9,297 |
| 2010s | 7,566 |
| 2020s | 5,544 |
Meaning & origin
Nayeli first appeared in U.S. records in 1977 and has since charted a remarkable course from obscurity to mainstream visibility. Its peak popularity came in 2001, and the name has been steadily rising since 1986, reflecting growing interest in names with indigenous Mexican heritage. With a current rank of 270 and an incidence of 1 in 1,396 girls in 2025, Nayeli is most popular in New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Arizona. The name's sweet meaning and melodic sound have endeared it to families seeking a distinctive yet accessible choice rooted in the Zapotec tradition.
Nayeli originates from the Zapotec language of Oaxaca, Mexico. It is derived from the phrase "nayeeli" meaning "I love you" in Zapotec. The name was rarely used in the United States before the 1970s but gained attention through cultural exposure and has since become a distinctive choice particularly in southwestern states.
Where Nayeli is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nayeli” around the world
Where Nayeli lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Naya, Yeli, Nay
Sibling names for Nayeli
Names that share Nayeli's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Zoe, Fatima, Aliya, Hana, Anahi, Aziyah, Citlalli, Yatziri, Irais, Mayela, Naidelyn, Quetzali, Quetzalli, Wenonah, Yatzil, Yelitza, Yezenia, Zyanya, Anayely, Dayrin, Itzell, Jeilani, Kachina, Nayeliz, Yahayra, Yaneliz, Yoali, Beonca, Brendaliz, Dalayah, Idalys, Jonay, Nairoby, Naylene, Naylin, Nayzeth, Sahory, Shakirra, Shenay, Sitlaly, Tanairy, Yarethzi, Yeslin, Yoatzi, Yoltzin
Brothers: Mateo, Diego, Santiago, Julian, Xavier, Chayanne, Cuauhtemoc, Yaniel, Dezmin, Itzael, Tonatiuh, Yanuel
Names like Nayeli
Names whose popularity has moved with Nayeli's over the last 50 years.
