Aya is a feminine given name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the word "aya" which means "sign", "miracle", or "verse". In Islamic tradition, it refers to each individual verse in the Quran, the holy book of Muslims.
The name Aya has been popular among Muslims throughout history and can be found in various cultures where Islam is prevalent. It gained worldwide recognition after the birth of Princess Ayako of Japan, who was given this name at her christening in 1967.
In some languages, such as Turkish, Aya also means "moonlight" or "glow", further adding to its mystical appeal. The name has been used by several notable figures throughout history including Aya al-Shift, a renowned female scholar and poet from medieval Iraq, and Ayaoub Idrissi, a Moroccan footballer.
While Aya is predominantly associated with Arabic and Islamic cultures, it has transcended these boundaries and gained acceptance as a beautiful and unique name choice worldwide. Its meaning adds depth to the name, making it not just a pretty label but also a symbol of spirituality, miracles, and beauty.
The name Aya has been popular in the United States for several decades, with its popularity fluctuating over time according to annual birth statistics. From 1972 to 2023, there have been a total of 7060 births registered with the name Aya.
In the early years, the number of babies named Aya was relatively low, starting with just 7 births in 1972 and fluctuating between 5 and 22 births per year until the mid-1980s. However, from the late 1980s onwards, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Aya, with the number of yearly births reaching triple digits.
The peak of popularity for the name Aya occurred relatively recently, with 412 births registered in 2023. This marks a significant increase from previous years and indicates that the name continues to be popular among parents in the United States today.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the enduring appeal of the name Aya over several decades, with its popularity showing signs of continuing into the future.