Holding steady, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Semaya since 1999
Babies named Semaya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 67 |
| 2010s | 36 |
| 2020s | 13 |
Meaning & origin
Semaya is a modern, rare name that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1999, a time when many new and invented names gained popularity. Its peak year was 2007, and since then its usage has remained stable, never reaching widespread adoption. With a current rank of 14,942 (1 in 321,453 births as of 2025), Semaya is an uncommon choice. The name's origin is uncertain, and it does not have strong ties to any particular cultural or linguistic tradition, making it a blank slate for parents seeking a unique sound. Its similarity to names like Semaj (the reverse of James) and Amaya may appeal to those looking for a melodic, contemporary name.
The name Semaya is a modern coinage, likely inspired by similar-sounding names such as Semaja or Semaj. It first appeared in U.S. records in the late 1990s, fitting a trend of invented names with soft sounds and the suffix -aya. No clear historical or linguistic root has been established.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sema, May, Maya
Sibling names for Semaya
Names that share Semaya's style, for a brother or sister.
