Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Naya
Girl· “uncertain; several possible sources”
- Meaning
- uncertain; several possible sources (origin disputed)
- Pronunciation
- NY-uh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #813
- US babies 2025
- 336
- Best rank
- #668 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Naya
Naya is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible sources”; the origin is uncertain.
Naya is a short name with several possible sources, and no single origin can be confirmed. In Hindi, naya means new; some link it to the Arabic Naya or to Greek names for water nymphs such as Naia; and others see it as a modern short form of names like Anaya. Because these explanations point in different directions, its meaning is best treated as uncertain. The actress Naya Rivera made the name more visible in the United States. Naya feels light, modern and international, and it pairs well with longer middle names.
Popularity over time
Naya first appears in US Social Security records in 1974. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 11 different years, starting in 2014. Its best national rank was #668 in 2021, the same year it reached its highest count of 446 babies. In 2025, 336 babies were named Naya, and it ranked #813 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #6,621 in 1980, #1,207 in 2000, #1,656 in 2010, and #813 in 2025. Of the 6,563 US girls named Naya since records began, 39% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 2,163 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Adalee, Dani, Zendaya, Persephone, and Keilani.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Naya ranked highest in Michigan, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | #348 | 26 |
| Connecticut | #378 | 8 |
| New Jersey | #442 | 18 |
| California | #456 | 74 |
| Massachusetts | #557 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Naya is usually pronounced NY-uh, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with N and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Naya
A few middle names that flow with Naya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Naya
Similar names
Kiya Girl
KEE-yuh
Egyptian
#2,947
Mya Girl
MY-uh
“variant of Maya or Mia” · American (modern coinage)
#444
Chaya Girl
HY-uh
“life” · Hebrew
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Kaiya Girl
KY-uh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
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Aya Girl
AH-yuh
“sign, miracle” · Arabic
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Siya Girl
SEE-yuh
Hindi
#879
Miya Girl
MEE-yuh
“shrine, temple (Japanese); form of Mia” · Japanese
#1,681
Riya Girl
REE-yuh
“uncertain; Indian name” · Hindi
#1,546
Diya Girl
DEE-yuh
“lamp” · Hindi
#1,714
Zoya Girl
ZOY-uh
“life” · Russian
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Kya Girl
KY-uh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#1,237
Nya Girl
NY-uh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#2,767
Lists that include Naya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Naya mean?
Naya is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible sources”; the origin is uncertain.
Is Naya a popular name?
Yes. Naya ranked #813 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Naya a boy or girl name?
Naya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Naya?
Naya is usually pronounced NY-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