Rising since 1986, #1,370 for boys today.
Popularity of Shaya since 1955
Babies named Shaya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 0 | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 55 | 19 |
| 1980s | 141 | 58 |
| 1990s | 179 | 128 |
| 2000s | 242 | 283 |
| 2010s | 223 | 652 |
| 2020s | 201 | 664 |
Meaning & origin
Shaya is a name with layered origins, most often linked to Hebrew and Persian roots. In Hebrew tradition, it is a short form of Yeshaya (Isaiah) or a variant of Shai, meaning 'gift,' while Persian sources associate it with the meaning 'worthy' or 'noble.' The name entered U.S. records in 1955 at rank 1370, and as of 2025 it continues to rise, with 1 in 12,652 newborns receiving the name. Its popularity has been on an upward trajectory since 1986, and it achieved its peak rank so far in 2025. The name is most common in New York, New Jersey, and California, reflecting its appeal in diverse communities. Shaya is used for both sexes, giving it a broad, flexible appeal in modern naming.
Shaya has multiple possible origins. In Hebrew, it is a diminutive of Yeshaya (Isaiah), meaning 'God is salvation,' but also used as a variant of Shai, meaning 'gift.' In Persian, Shaya (شایا) means 'worthy, noble, or suitable.' In modern English use, it may be a variant of Shaya or Shay, influenced by Irish Shay. The name appeared in U.S. records in 1955 and has been rising in popularity since the 1980s. It is used for both boys and girls.
Where Shaya is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Shaya” around the world
Where Shaya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Shaya
Names that share Shaya's style, for a brother or sister.
