Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Diya
GirlHindi, Sanskrit· “lamp”
- Meaning
- lamp
- Origin
- Hindi, Sanskrit
- Pronunciation
- DEE-yuh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,714
- US babies 2025
- 119
- Best rank
- #873 (2004)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Diya
Diya is a Hindi and Sanskrit name that means “lamp”.
Diya is a Hindi word for "lamp," referring to the small oil lamps lit during festivals, especially Diwali, the festival of lights. The word is related to the Sanskrit dipa, "lamp" or "light." As a given name, Diya is used in India and among Indian families worldwide. It has a gentle, two-syllable sound and a meaning that suggests warmth, light, and hope. Diya is short and easy to pronounce in many languages, and it pairs well with longer middle names.
Popularity over time
Diya first appears in US Social Security records in 1991. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 6 different years, starting in 2004. Its best national rank was #873 in 2004, and the most babies received it in 2009, when 309 were named Diya. In 2025, 119 babies were named Diya, and it ranked #1,714 nationally. That is 54% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #6,015 in 2000, #926 in 2010, and #1,714 in 2025. Of the 5,079 US girls named Diya since records began, 46% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,916 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Maryjane, Yamilet, Payten, Bree, and Marlie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Diya ranked highest in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #790 | 6 |
| New Jersey | #792 | 9 |
| California | #917 | 31 |
| Illinois | #951 | 9 |
| Washington | #1092 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Diya is usually pronounced DEE-yuh, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with D and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Diya
A few middle names that flow with Diya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Diya
Similar names
Riya Girl
REE-yuh
“uncertain; Indian name” · Hindi
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Priya Girl
PREE-yuh
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Aarya Girl
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uh-NUHN-yuh
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Jaya Girl
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JEE-yuh
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Divya Girl
DIHV-yuh
“divine, heavenly” · Sanskrit
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Amiya Girl
uh-MY-uh
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Miya Girl
MEE-yuh
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Zoya Girl
ZOY-uh
“life” · Russian
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Kya Girl
KY-uh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
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Lists that include Diya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Diya mean?
Diya is a Hindi and Sanskrit name that means “lamp”.
What is the origin of the name Diya?
Diya has Hindi and Sanskrit roots. Diya is a Hindi word for "lamp," referring to the small oil lamps lit during festivals, especially Diwali, the festival of lights.
Is Diya a popular name?
Not especially. Diya ranked #1,714 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Diya a boy or girl name?
Diya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Diya?
Diya is usually pronounced DEE-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