Aya

Meaning of Aya

Aya is a beautiful and versatile name for girls, with rich cultural significance and a melodic pronunciation that remains consistent across several languages. Pronounced as AH-yah, Aya has roots in Japanese, Hebrew, and Arabic traditions. In Japanese, Aya means "color" or "design," often symbolizing creativity and artistry. In Hebrew, it translates to "bird" or "to fly swiftly," evoking a sense of freedom and grace. In Arabic, Aya means "miracle" or "sign," suggesting something wondrous and extraordinary.

The name Aya has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States over recent decades. From its rank of 7,297 in 1976 to reaching the 697th spot in 2023 with 412 occurrences that year, Aya has become increasingly favored by parents who appreciate its simplicity, elegance, and multicultural resonance. Variations such as Alya and Ayah offer additional options for those drawn to this charming name.

With its universal appeal and profound meanings across different cultures, Aya is an excellent choice for parents seeking a name that is both unique and deeply meaningful.

Pronunciation

Japanese

  • Pronunced as AH-yah (/ˆa.ja/)

Hebrew

  • Pronunced as AH-yah (/ˆaj.a/)

Arabic

  • Pronunced as AH-yah (/ˈa.ja/)

U.S. Popularity Chart

States Popularity Chart

Notable People Named Aya

Aya Hirano is a Japanese actress and singer known for her work in voice acting and television commercials.
Aya Nakamura, a French pop singer, is known for her stage name Aya Danioko.
Aya Matsuura is a former Japanese pop singer and actress from Himeji, Hyogo, Japan.
Aya Cash is a well-known American actress recognized for her roles in TV shows like "You're the Worst" and "The Boys," as well as in films such as "The Wolf of Wall Street" and "Begin Again."
Aya Virginie Touré is a peace activist and politician in Côte d'Ivoire known for her nonviolent resistance against President Laurent Gbagbo and her work in the 2010 Ivorian presidential election.
Aya - AYA is a female Japanese rock artist known for her song "Over Night" and her involvement with the project band, CruelShe.
Aya Miyama is a former Japanese footballer who captained the national team and played in multiple World Cups, including the 2011 championship-winning team, and the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Aya Kamiki is a versatile Japanese singer, actress, and model known for her diverse music styles, including pop, rock, and R&B, and she is associated with the AVEX recording label.
Aya Kamikawa is a Tokyo municipal official and the first openly transgender person to seek or win elected office in Japan.
Aya Uchiyama is a 1-dan ranked Japanese women's professional shogi player.
Aya Traoré is a Senegalese female basketball forward and the former captain of the Senegalese women's national basketball team.
Aya Hirayama is a Japanese actress known for her roles in films such as Waterboys (2001) and Lovers' Kiss (2003), born in Kuroiso, Tochigi, Japan.
Aya Terakawa is a retired Japanese backstroke swimmer who announced her retirement from competitions in early December 2013.
Aya Takano is a Japanese swimmer who represented her country at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, competing in the women's 400m freestyle and the women's freestyle relay events.
Aya Mikami is a Japanese volleyball player known for her role on the Hisamitsu Springs team.
Evelyn Grace Donovan
Curated byEvelyn Grace Donovan

Assistant Editor