MallowbyNames

Waniya

wah-NEE-yah · Variant of Wania, possibly of Arabic origin meaning 'shining' or 'radiant'.

2025 rank (girls)
#5,238
Babies named in 2025
24
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 66,969 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2009

Rising since 2009, #5,238 for girls today.

Popularity of Waniya since 2009

Babies named Waniya per year in U.S. Social Security records.

8162420102020Most births 2025Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
2000s7
2010s80
2020s76

Meaning & origin

Waniya is a modern name that has appeared in U.S. birth records since 2009. Its most common year so far is 2025, when it ranked 5,238 nationally, with approximately 1 in 66,969 newborn girls receiving the name. The name shows a clear rising trajectory since its first recorded year. It is most prevalent in New York, reflecting a concentration among families with Arabic or South Asian heritage. While the exact meaning is debated, it is often linked to the Arabic root for 'shining,' giving it a positive and luminous connotation. Waniya remains an uncommon choice, appealing to parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and culturally resonant.

Waniya is a modern variant of the name Wania, which itself may derive from Arabic roots meaning 'shining' or 'radiant'. Its usage in the United States has been recorded since 2009, with growing popularity in the 2020s, particularly in New York.

Where Waniya is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Wani, Niya, YaYa

Variants: Wania, Waniyah

Sibling names for Waniya

Names that share Waniya's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Aaliyah, Zara, Leila, Mira, Sana

Brothers: Zayn, Rayyan, Kai, Amir, Elias

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

W is for Waniya, our favorite little girl.

W is for Waniya…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Waniya's letter becomes Waniya's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Waniya mean?
Waniya is thought to be a variant of Wania, possibly meaning 'shining' or 'radiant' from Arabic.
How popular is the name Waniya?
Waniya is relatively rare. In 2025 it ranked 5,238, with about 1 in 66,969 girls given this name.
Is Waniya a boy or girl name?
Waniya is almost exclusively used for girls.