Rising since 2009, #5,238 for girls today.
Popularity of Waniya since 2009
Babies named Waniya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 7 |
| 2010s | 80 |
| 2020s | 76 |
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
Sibling names for Waniya
Names that share Waniya's style, for a brother or sister.

