Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Amaya
GirlBasque· “the end (Basque)”
- Meaning
- the end (Basque)
- Origin
- Basque
- Pronunciation
- uh-MY-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #180
- US babies 2025
- 1,723
- Best rank
- #129 (2018)
- Peak year
- 2018
Meaning and origin of Amaya
Amaya is a Basque name that is usually said to mean “the end (Basque)”.
Amaya is best explained as a form of the Basque name Amaia, usually connected to a word meaning the end. The name gained popularity in Spain after a nineteenth-century historical novel about the Basques used it for its heroine, and it later spread to the Americas. Other meanings are sometimes suggested, including a Japanese reading, but these are not the usual source of the name as used today. Amaya has a gentle, flowing sound with three open syllables. It works across many cultures and spellings, including Amaia and Amaiya, and Maya makes a ready nickname.
Popularity over time
Amaya first appears in US Social Security records in 1972. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 27 different years, starting in 1999. Its best national rank was #129 in 2018, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,280 babies. In 2025, 1,723 babies were named Amaya, and it ranked #180 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #10,448 in 1980, #196 in 2000, #226 in 2010, and #180 in 2025. Of the 43,525 US girls named Amaya since records began, 37% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 15,258 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Norah, Ryleigh, Anastasia, Adalynn, and Fiona.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Amaya ranked highest in New Mexico, Florida, and Oregon.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #76 | 16 |
| Florida | #93 | 174 |
| Oregon | #93 | 34 |
| Nevada | #95 | 21 |
| California | #110 | 271 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Amaya is usually pronounced uh-MY-uh, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Amaya
A few middle names that flow with Amaya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Amaya
Similar names
Anaya Girl
uh-NY-uh
“uncertain; several suggested sources” · Sanskrit
#336
Cataleya Girl
kat-uh-LAY-uh
“from the cattleya orchid” · American (modern coinage)
#238
Ximena Girl
hee-MEH-nuh
“possibly from Simon, 'he has heard'” · Spanish
#183
Jimena Girl
hih-MEH-nuh
Spanish
#578
Ananya Girl
uh-NUHN-yuh
“unique, without equal” · Sanskrit
#3,105
Mya Girl
MY-uh
“variant of Maya or Mia” · American (modern coinage)
#444
Arya Girl
AHR-yuh
“noble” · Sanskrit
#158
Freya Girl
FRAY-uh
“lady” · Old Norse
#176
Anya Girl
AHN-yuh
“grace; pet form of Anna” · Russian
#375
Alaya Girl
uh-LAY-uh
“uncertain; possibly Sanskrit for abode” · American (modern coinage)
#368
Chaya Girl
HY-uh
“life” · Hebrew
#588
Aliya Girl
uh-LEE-yuh
“exalted; ascent” · Arabic
#823
Lists that include Amaya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Amaya mean?
Amaya is a Basque name that is usually said to mean “the end (Basque)”.
What is the origin of the name Amaya?
Amaya has Basque roots. Amaya is best explained as a form of the Basque name Amaia, usually connected to a word meaning the end.
Is Amaya a popular name?
Yes. Amaya ranked #180 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Amaya a boy or girl name?
Amaya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Amaya?
Amaya is usually pronounced uh-MY-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