Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kaya
GirlTurkish, Japanese· “rock (Turkish); several other sources”
- Meaning
- rock (Turkish); several other sources (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Turkish, Japanese
- Pronunciation
- KY-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,133
- US babies 2025
- 206
- Best rank
- #540 (2003)
- Peak year
- 2004
Meaning and origin of Kaya
Kaya is often said to mean “rock (Turkish); several other sources”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Turkish and Japanese roots.
Kaya is a name found in many cultures with different meanings. In Turkish it is a common word and surname meaning "rock." In Japanese it can be written with various characters, including one for a type of yew tree. It is also sometimes described as a Native American name meaning "elder sister," though that claim is difficult to confirm. Because of this variety, the meaning depends on the family's background. Kaya is short, bright and easy to pronounce, and its simple sound makes it popular across cultures.
Popularity over time
Kaya first appears in US Social Security records in 1968. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 20 different years, starting in 2000. Its best national rank was #540 in 2003, and the most babies received it in 2004, when 528 were named Kaya. In 2025, 206 babies were named Kaya, and it ranked #1,133 nationally. That is 37% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #8,567 in 1980, #758 in 2000, #767 in 2010, and #1,133 in 2025. Of the 10,314 US girls named Kaya since records began, 43% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 3,104 babies. Since 2010, 4,570 more have been named Kaya.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Abbie, Sydnee, Isis, Aracely, and Kaley.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kaya ranked highest in Arizona, New Jersey, and Utah.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | #716 | 9 |
| New Jersey | #745 | 10 |
| Utah | #762 | 5 |
| Washington | #773 | 8 |
| Illinois | #830 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 95% of US babies named Kaya over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Kaya is usually pronounced KY-uh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with K and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Kaya
A few middle names that flow with Kaya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kaya
Similar names
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uh-NY-uh
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MEE-yuh
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mee-REH-yuh
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JY-uh
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sah-FEE-yuh
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ih-NAH-yuh
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Lists that include Kaya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kaya mean?
Kaya is often said to mean “rock (Turkish); several other sources”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Turkish and Japanese roots.
What is the origin of the name Kaya?
Kaya has Turkish and Japanese roots. Kaya is a name found in many cultures with different meanings.
Is Kaya a popular name?
Not especially. Kaya ranked #1,133 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kaya a boy or girl name?
Kaya is mainly a girl's name. About 95% of US babies named Kaya over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Kaya?
Kaya is usually pronounced KY-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