Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Priya
GirlSanskrit, Hindi· “beloved, dear”
- Meaning
- beloved, dear
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- PREE-yuh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,956
- US babies 2025
- 99
- Best rank
- #1,107 (2001)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Priya
Priya is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “beloved, dear”.
Priya comes from the Sanskrit word for beloved or dear, and it is one of the best-known Indian girls' names. It appears widely across India and among families of Indian heritage worldwide. The name is short and easy to pronounce in English, usually PREE-yuh, which helps it cross cultures. Its affectionate meaning gives it warmth. Priya can also be combined with other elements in longer names such as Priyanka. It feels timeless and friendly, and pairs easily with both traditional and modern middle names.
Popularity over time
Priya first appears in US Social Security records in 1969. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,107 in 2001, and the most babies received it in 2014, when 211 were named Priya. In 2025, 99 babies were named Priya, and it ranked #1,956 nationally. That is 42% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,116 in 1980, #1,202 in 2000, #1,399 in 2010, and #1,956 in 2025. Of the 6,562 US girls named Priya since records began, 27% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,650 babies. Since 2010, 2,350 more have been named Priya.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Annabeth, Lilyann, Addelyn, Cambree, and Addalynn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Priya ranked highest in Wisconsin, Maryland, and Virginia.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Priya is usually pronounced PREE-yuh, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with P and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Priya
A few middle names that flow with Priya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Priya
Similar names
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Lists that include Priya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Priya mean?
Priya is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “beloved, dear”.
What is the origin of the name Priya?
Priya has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Priya comes from the Sanskrit word for beloved or dear, and it is one of the best-known Indian girls' names.
Is Priya a popular name?
Not especially. Priya ranked #1,956 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Priya a boy or girl name?
Priya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Priya?
Priya is usually pronounced PREE-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