Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Liya
GirlHebrew· “uncertain; related to Leah or Lia”
- Meaning
- uncertain; related to Leah or Lia (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- LEE-uh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,344
- US babies 2025
- 165
- Best rank
- #1,344 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Liya
Liya is often said to mean “uncertain; related to Leah or Lia”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew roots.
The origin of Liya is uncertain, and several traditions claim it. It is often treated as a form of Leah, the biblical name of Jacob's first wife, which may mean weary or delicate, or as a variant of Lia. Similar-sounding names also exist in other cultures, including Ethiopian usage, where Liya is a familiar given name. Because these threads overlap, no single meaning can be stated with confidence. In English the name is usually said LEE-uh or LEE-yuh.
Popularity over time
Liya first appears in US Social Security records in 1992. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #1,344, and its highest count, 165 babies. Use has grown 85% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #8,336 in 2000, #2,270 in 2010, and #1,344 in 2025. Of the 2,375 US girls named Liya since records began, 42% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 815 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kollins, Ahlani, Delani, Stori, and Ema.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Liya ranked highest in Virginia, Washington, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | #637 | 12 |
| Washington | #782 | 8 |
| New Jersey | #814 | 9 |
| California | #820 | 36 |
| Massachusetts | #839 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Liya is usually pronounced LEE-uh, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Liya
A few middle names that flow with Liya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Liya
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Lists that include Liya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Liya mean?
Liya is often said to mean “uncertain; related to Leah or Lia”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Liya?
Liya has Hebrew roots. The origin of Liya is uncertain, and several traditions claim it.
Is Liya a popular name?
Not especially. Liya ranked #1,344 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Liya a boy or girl name?
Liya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Liya?
Liya is usually pronounced LEE-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