Yaya
Meaning of Yaya
The name Yaya is a unique and culturally rich choice for a baby boy. It has origins in both African (specifically Swahili) and Chinese (Mandarin) cultures. In Swahili, Yaya is pronounced as YAH-yah (/ˈjɑːjɑː/), while in Mandarin, it is pronounced yah-yah (/jà jà/). This name carries with it a sense of global heritage and diversity. A variation of this name is Yahya, which is also used in various cultures around the world. Despite its international flair, Yaya remains relatively rare in the United States, with occurrences fluctuating modestly over the years. For instance, in 2023 and 2022, there were only five newborns named Yaya each year, ranking at 12190 and 12313 respectively. The highest occurrence recorded was in 2021 with eight babies named Yaya, ranking at 8814. Choosing the name Yaya for your child not only gives them a distinctive identity but also connects them to a broader cultural tapestry.
Pronunciation
African (Swahili)
- Pronunced as YAH-yah (/ˈjɑːjɑː/)
Chinese (Mandarin)
- Pronunced as yah-yah (/jà jà/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
Similar Names to Yaya
Notable People Named Yaya
| Yaya Diallo is a musician and author hailing from the Republic of Mali. |
| Gnégnéri Yaya Touré is an Ivorian professional football coach and former player known for his career as a midfielder and current role as an assistant coach for the Saudi Arabia national team. |
| Yaya DaCosta is an American actress and model known for her roles in America's Next Top Model, Ugly Betty, Chicago Med, and her portrayal of Whitney Houston in the Lifetime television film Whitney. |
| Yaya Migansi, also known as Houekode, was a princess of Dahomey, and her name reflects her status as the wife of a prime minister in the kingdom. |
| Yaya Mamadou Dissa is a Malian international footballer who most recently played for Division d'Honneur side Niort Saint-Florent. |
