Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Alaia
GirlBasque· “joyful, happy”
- Meaning
- joyful, happy
- Origin
- Basque
- Pronunciation
- uh-LY-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #117
- US babies 2025
- 2,318
- Best rank
- #112 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Alaia
Alaia is a Basque name that is usually said to mean “joyful, happy”.
Alaia is a Basque name linked to the word alai, meaning joyful or cheerful. It has been used in the Basque Country and Spain, and in recent years it has spread to other countries, helped by its light, lyrical sound. The name is also known from the fashion designer Azzedine Alaïa, whose surname comes from a different source. Alaia has a flowing rhythm, with three open syllables, and it sits comfortably with names like Aria, Maya and Alana. It feels fresh, sunny and international.
Popularity over time
Alaia first appears in US Social Security records in 1986. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 11 different years, starting in 2015. Its best national rank was #112 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,429 babies. In 2025, 2,318 babies were named Alaia, and it ranked #117 nationally. That is 440% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #7,175 in 2000, #3,746 in 2010, and #117 in 2025. Of the 17,682 US girls named Alaia since records began, 77% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 3,770 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Catalina, Juliette, Elliana, Cecilia, and Margot.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alaia ranked highest in Florida, Rhode Island, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #56 | 252 |
| Rhode Island | #65 | 11 |
| New York | #67 | 201 |
| Texas | #72 | 344 |
| New Jersey | #73 | 98 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Alaia is usually pronounced uh-LY-uh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Alaia
A few middle names that flow with Alaia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alaia
Similar names
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Lists that include Alaia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alaia mean?
Alaia is a Basque name that is usually said to mean “joyful, happy”.
What is the origin of the name Alaia?
Alaia has Basque roots. Alaia is a Basque name linked to the word alai, meaning joyful or cheerful.
Is Alaia a popular name?
Yes. Alaia ranked #117 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Alaia a boy or girl name?
Alaia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Alaia?
Alaia is usually pronounced uh-LY-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings