Chaya
Meaning of Chaya
The name Chaya is a beautiful and culturally rich choice for a baby girl. With origins in both Hebrew and Indian (Hindi) languages, it carries significant meaning and associations. In Hebrew, Chaya means "life," symbolizing vitality and vibrancy. The Yiddish pronunciation aligns closely with the Hebrew, reflecting its deep roots in Jewish culture. In Hindi, Chaya means "shadow" or "shade," evoking a sense of protection and comfort. Pronounced as CHAH-yah in Hindi and KHAI-yah in Hebrew and Yiddish, this versatile name has been steadily gaining popularity in the United States over recent decades. Variations of the name include Khaya. According to recent data, Chaya has consistently ranked within the top 1,000 names for newborn girls since the late 1980s, reflecting its growing appeal among parents seeking a name that is both meaningful and unique.
Pronunciation
Indian (Hindi)
- Pronunced as CHAH-yah (/tʃaɪˈjɑ/)
Hebrew
- Pronunced as KHAI-yah (/χaɪˈjɑ/)
Yiddish
- Pronunced as KHAI-yah (/χaɪə/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Chaya
| Chaya Mushka Schneerson, also known as The Rebbetzin, was the wife of Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh and last rebbe of the Chabad-Lubavitch branch of Hasidic Judaism, and was named after the wife of the third Lubavitcher rebbe. |
| Chaya Arbel, an Israeli composer, is celebrated as one of the country's most prominent female classical composers and was honored with the ACUM Prize. |
