Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Enya
GirlIrish· “Anglicized form of Eithne, kernel”
- Meaning
- Anglicized form of Eithne, kernel
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- EHN-yuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #4,007
- US babies 2025
- 36
- Best rank
- #2,164 (2002)
- Peak year
- 2002
Meaning and origin of Enya
Enya is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “Anglicized form of Eithne, kernel”.
Enya is an anglicized form of the Irish Eithne, a name of uncertain meaning often explained as kernel or grain. Eithne was the name of several women in Irish legend, including the mother of the god Lugh. The Irish singer Enya, born Eithne Ní Bhraonáin, took the anglicized spelling as her stage name, and her music made it widely known. It is said EHN-yuh. Eithne, Ena and Ethna are related forms. Because the singer is so closely associated with it, many people will think of her ethereal style of music when they hear the name.
Popularity over time
Enya first appears in US Social Security records in 1989. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #2,164 in 2002, the same year it reached its highest count of 77 babies. In 2025, 36 babies were named Enya, and it ranked #4,007 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,448 in 2000, #3,704 in 2010, and #4,007 in 2025. Of the 1,274 US girls named Enya since records began, 40% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 351 babies. Since 2010, 568 more have been named Enya.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Noemy, Shanti, Dennise, Nadiya, and Emelie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Enya ranked highest in California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #2573 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Enya is usually pronounced EHN-yuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with E and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Enya
A few middle names that flow with Enya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Enya
Similar names
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Lists that include Enya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Enya mean?
Enya is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “Anglicized form of Eithne, kernel”.
What is the origin of the name Enya?
Enya has Irish roots. Enya is an anglicized form of the Irish Eithne, a name of uncertain meaning often explained as kernel or grain.
Is Enya a popular name?
Not especially. Enya ranked #4,007 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Enya a boy or girl name?
Enya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Enya?
Enya is usually pronounced EHN-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