Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Arya
GirlSanskrit, Persian· “noble”
- Meaning
- noble
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Persian
- Pronunciation
- AHR-yuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #158
- US babies 2025
- 1,858
- Best rank
- #92 (2019)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Arya
Arya is a Sanskrit and Persian name that means “noble”.
Arya comes from the Sanskrit arya, meaning noble or honorable. It is used as a name in India and appears in related forms in Persian. In recent years Arya has become popular in English-speaking countries, partly through the character Arya Stark in the fantasy series Game of Thrones. The name feels bold and graceful. It is short and easy to say, and it pairs well with longer middle names. Spellings such as Aria and Ariya are similar but come from different roots.
Popularity over time
Arya first appears in US Social Security records in 1986. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 16 different years, starting in 2010. Its best national rank was #92 in 2019, the same year it reached its highest count of 3,051 babies. In 2025, 1,858 babies were named Arya, and it ranked #158 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,743 in 2000, #942 in 2010, and #158 in 2025. Of the 29,536 US girls named Arya since records began, 52% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 12,786 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Brielle, Everleigh, Adalynn, Cora, and Amaya.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Arya ranked highest in New Mexico, Hawaii, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #59 | 19 |
| Hawaii | #80 | 9 |
| Maryland | #90 | 46 |
| Florida | #96 | 172 |
| California | #106 | 275 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 95% of US babies named Arya over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Arya is usually pronounced AHR-yuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Arya
A few middle names that flow with Arya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Arya
Similar names
Alaya Girl
uh-LAY-uh
“uncertain; possibly Sanskrit for abode” · American (modern coinage)
#368
Ariya Girl
AR-ee-uh
“variant of Aria; possibly noble” · American (modern coinage)
#615
Soraya Girl
suh-RY-uh
“the Pleiades” · Persian
#868
Maya Girl
MY-uh
“illusion; also form of Maia” · Sanskrit
#62
Amiya Girl
uh-MY-uh
“uncertain; often linked to nectar” · American (modern coinage)
#1,809
Aarya Girl
AHR-yuh
“noble” · Sanskrit
#1,258
Jaya Girl
JY-uh
“victory” · Sanskrit
#2,204
Divya Girl
DIHV-yuh
“divine, heavenly” · Sanskrit
#5,449
Saraya Girl
suh-RAY-uh
“variant of Soraya or Sarai” · Persian
#1,830
Kimaya Girl
kih-MY-uh
“often said to mean divine or miraculous” · Sanskrit
#3,870
Freya Girl
FRAY-uh
“lady” · Old Norse
#176
Anaya Girl
uh-NY-uh
“uncertain; several suggested sources” · Sanskrit
#336
Lists that include Arya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Arya mean?
Arya is a Sanskrit and Persian name that means “noble”.
What is the origin of the name Arya?
Arya has Sanskrit and Persian roots. Arya comes from the Sanskrit arya, meaning noble or honorable.
Is Arya a popular name?
Yes. Arya ranked #158 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Arya a boy or girl name?
Arya is mainly a girl's name. About 95% of US babies named Arya over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Arya?
Arya is usually pronounced AHR-yuh. 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