Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Liyana
GirlArabic· “softness, tenderness”
- Meaning
- softness, tenderness
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- lee-YAH-nuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,059
- US babies 2025
- 232
- Best rank
- #1,059 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Liyana
Liyana is an Arabic name that is usually said to mean “softness, tenderness”.
Liyana is an Arabic girls' name associated with softness, gentleness and tenderness, from a root meaning to be soft or pliant. It is used in Arab and Muslim families and has become familiar in Malaysia and Southeast Asia as well. It is said lee-YAH-nuh. The name has a similar sound to Liana, a Latin-derived name tied to the climbing vine, and to Leanna, but those have separate origins. Liyana's flowing three syllables and gentle meaning give it a graceful, modern feel. Other spellings include Liana and Layana.
Popularity over time
Liyana first appears in US Social Security records in 1994. 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, #1,059, and its highest count, 232 babies. Use has grown 209% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #4,363 in 2010 and #1,059 in 2025. Of the 1,681 US girls named Liyana since records began, 52% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 682 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Dua, Jubilee, Chiara, Jalani, and Inara.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Liyana ranked highest in Maryland, New York, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #410 | 13 |
| New York | #469 | 37 |
| Massachusetts | #597 | 9 |
| Virginia | #638 | 12 |
| Michigan | #666 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Liyana is usually pronounced lee-YAH-nuh, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with L and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Liyana
A few middle names that flow with Liyana: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Liyana
Similar names
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Ayanna Girl
eye-AH-nuh
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eye-YAH-nuh
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Leena Girl
LEE-nuh
“short form of names ending in -lina” · English
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Lists that include Liyana
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Liyana mean?
Liyana is an Arabic name that is usually said to mean “softness, tenderness”.
What is the origin of the name Liyana?
Liyana has Arabic roots. Liyana is an Arabic girls' name associated with softness, gentleness and tenderness, from a root meaning to be soft or pliant.
Is Liyana a popular name?
Not especially. Liyana ranked #1,059 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Liyana a boy or girl name?
Liyana is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Liyana?
Liyana is usually pronounced lee-YAH-nuh. 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