Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Miya
GirlJapanese, American (modern coinage)· “shrine, temple (Japanese); form of Mia”
- Meaning
- shrine, temple (Japanese); form of Mia
- Origin
- Japanese, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- MEE-yuh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,681
- US babies 2025
- 123
- Best rank
- #877 (2007)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Miya
Miya is a Japanese and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “shrine, temple (Japanese); form of Mia”.
Miya has two separate histories. In Japanese, miya can mean shrine or palace, and names built on it are used in Japan. In English-speaking countries, Miya is also a spelling of Mia, itself a short form of Maria. Because the name has more than one root, its meaning depends on the family's heritage and intentions. Miya has a light, sweet sound with two easy syllables. It fits well in many languages and cultures, and it pairs nicely with longer, classic middle names.
Popularity over time
Miya first appears in US Social Security records in 1965. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 16 different years, starting in 1999. Its best national rank was #877 in 2007, the same year it reached its highest count of 319 babies. In 2025, 123 babies were named Miya, and it ranked #1,681 nationally. That is 56% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,900 in 1980, #1,044 in 2000, #1,049 in 2010, and #1,681 in 2025. Of the 8,071 US girls named Miya since records began, 33% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 2,543 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Abagail, Jaslyn, Marin, Magdalena, and Dania.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Miya ranked highest in Hawaii, Georgia, and Michigan.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Miya is usually pronounced MEE-yuh, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with M and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Miya
A few middle names that flow with Miya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Miya
Similar names
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Lists that include Miya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Miya mean?
Miya is a Japanese and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “shrine, temple (Japanese); form of Mia”.
What is the origin of the name Miya?
Miya has Japanese and modern American roots. Miya has two separate histories.
Is Miya a popular name?
Not especially. Miya ranked #1,681 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Miya a boy or girl name?
Miya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Miya?
Miya is usually pronounced MEE-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