The nameAya
Aya is a short girl's name found in Arabic, Japanese and Hebrew. It is at its highest level in England and Wales.
- Girl's name
- Arabic
Meaning
In Arabic aya means "sign, verse of the Quran". In Japanese it can mean "colourful, design". In Hebrew it is a bird of prey.
Origin
Arabic, Japanese or Hebrew.
History
In England and Wales Aya reached 221st place in 2025, its best rank since 1996. Aya Nakamura made it famous in France.
Aya in other languages
Aya has several origins: in Arabic it means "sign, verse of the Quran", in Hebrew "bird", and in Japanese it is written with characters evoking color or weaving. The singer Aya Nakamura made it well known in France.
Did you know?
- Aya Nakamura performed with the band of the Republican Guard at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Famous people named Aya
- Aya Nakamura, singer
- Aya Ueto, actress
Popularity of the name Aya
Aya in the United States
Aya was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 2,956 births over the decade, 39% of all recorded babies named Aya. Its rise began around 1994, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Aya in the United States were born before 2014, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 393 births a year.
Aya in the United Kingdom
Aya was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 1,175 births over the decade, 41% of all recorded babies named Aya. Its rise began around 2001, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Aya in the United Kingdom were born before 2018, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 206 births a year on average, against 145 in the five years before.
Aya in France
Aya in Belgium
Aya in Switzerland
Aya in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Aya
Names from the same generation as Aya, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Aya? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Aya with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Aya side by side with the name of your choice.
Aya in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Aya mean?
In Arabic aya means "sign, verse of the Quran". In Japanese it can mean "colourful, design". In Hebrew it is a bird of prey.
What is the origin of the name Aya?
Arabic, Japanese or Hebrew.
Is Aya a girl's or a boy's name?
Aya is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Aya?
In 2024, Aya was the 631st most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 467 births.
What are the variants of the name Aya?
Variants and related names of Aya include Ayah.
What are good sibling names for Aya?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Alia, Noor, Khadija and Zainab for a sister, Hamza, Samir, Hassan and Rayan for a brother.
Who are famous people named Aya?
Aya Nakamura, singer; Aya Ueto, actress.