Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Chaya
GirlHebrew· “life”
- Meaning
- life
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- HY-uh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #588
- US babies 2025
- 499
- Best rank
- #588 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Chaya
Chaya is a Hebrew name that means “life”.
Chaya is a Hebrew name meaning "life" or "living," the feminine form of Chaim. The Hebrew name of Eve, Chavah, is traditionally connected with the same idea. Chaya has long been used in Jewish families, especially in Orthodox communities, and is sometimes combined with other names, as in Chaya Mushka or Chaya Sarah. In Hebrew the opening sound is a throaty ch, while English speakers often say HY-uh or KHY-uh. The name is short, warm and meaningful, carrying a blessing for a long and full life. Chayele is a traditional affectionate form.
Popularity over time
Chaya first appears in US Social Security records in 1947. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 41 different years, starting in 1981. Its best national rank was #588 in 2025, and the most babies received it in 2024, when 504 were named Chaya. In 2025, 499 babies were named Chaya, and it ranked #588 nationally. That is 32% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,710 in 1950, #1,178 in 1980, #774 in 2000, #730 in 2010, and #588 in 2025. Of the 15,674 US girls named Chaya since records began, 26% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 3,568 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Aliana, Meilani, Marigold, Kailany, and Mina.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Chaya ranked highest in New York, New Jersey, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #42 | 271 |
| New Jersey | #45 | 145 |
| Maryland | #750 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | #771 | 12 |
| Ohio | #974 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Chaya is usually pronounced HY-uh, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Chaya
A few middle names that flow with Chaya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Chaya
Similar names
Aya Girl
AH-yuh
“sign, miracle” · Arabic
#644
Liya Girl
LEE-uh
“uncertain; related to Leah or Lia” · Hebrew
#1,344
Haya Girl
HY-uh
“life (Hebrew); modesty (Arabic)” · Hebrew
#1,916
Mya Girl
MY-uh
“variant of Maya or Mia” · American (modern coinage)
#444
Anya Girl
AHN-yuh
“grace; pet form of Anna” · Russian
#375
Aliya Girl
uh-LEE-yuh
“exalted; ascent” · Arabic
#823
Raya Girl
RY-uh
“friend; several independent sources” · Hebrew
#369
Kaiya Girl
KY-uh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#994
Naya Girl
NY-uh
“uncertain; several possible sources”
#813
Siya Girl
SEE-yuh
Hindi
#879
Gia Girl
JEE-uh
“God is gracious” · Italian
#287
Eve Girl
EEV
“life” · Hebrew
#519
Lists that include Chaya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Chaya mean?
Chaya is a Hebrew name that means “life”.
What is the origin of the name Chaya?
Chaya has Hebrew roots. Chaya is a Hebrew name meaning "life" or "living," the feminine form of Chaim.
Is Chaya a popular name?
Yes. Chaya ranked #588 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Chaya a boy or girl name?
Chaya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Chaya?
Chaya is usually pronounced HY-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