Kariya is a unisex Japanese given name. It has several possible meanings and origins depending on the kanji used to write it.
One common meaning of Kariya is "fragrant" or "sweet fragrance". This interpretation comes from the kanji characters "花" (ka) which means flower, and "依" (iya) which means fragrance. Together, they suggest a beautiful and pleasant scent.
Another possible meaning for Kariya is "shell", derived from the kanji characters "貝" (kai) which means shell or clam. This interpretation may be associated with strength and endurance, as shells are hard and protective.
The name Kariya has been used by both men and women in Japan throughout history. It gained some popularity during the Edo period (1603-1868), but it is not considered extremely common today. Nonetheless, Kariya remains a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents seeking a Japanese given name with multiple layers of meaning.
In pop culture, there are several notable figures named Kariya. For example, Yōsuke Kariya is a former professional baseball player in Japan, while Kumi Kariya is an actress known for her roles in various television dramas and movies. However, these individuals should not be used as the sole basis for determining the origin or significance of the name Kariya.
The name Kariya has seen a varied number of births in the United States over the past two decades. Between the years 2000 and 2022, there were a total of 113 babies named Kariya born in the U.S.
During this period, the annual number of births with the name Kariya fluctuated year by year. The highest recorded years for Kariya births were in 2003 with 9 babies and again in 2021 with another 9 babies. Conversely, there were years where only 5 babies named Kariya were born, such as in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014 to 2016.
Despite these fluctuations, the name Kariya has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in the United States. It is interesting to note that there were no recorded births with this name in the years between 2005 and 2007, but it re-emerged in subsequent years. Most recently, in 2019 and 2022, there were 6 and 8 babies named Kariya born respectively, indicating that this name continues to be chosen by parents for their children.
Overall, while the number of births with the name Kariya may vary from year to year, it has remained a notable choice among American parents over the past two decades.