Amaya
Night rain — a girl name of Japanese/Basque origin
Popularity of Amaya in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Amaya
Amaya has two distinct origins: in Japanese it can be read as "night rain," while in the Basque Country it refers to an ancient town and carries associations with a mother goddess figure in Basque mythology. The name entered American popularity largely independent of either specific origin, valued instead for its soft, exotic sound. It has grown steadily since the 2000s, often mistaken for a variant of Amaia or Maya. Amaya offers parents a name that feels both international and easy to pronounce in English.
Amaya Around the World
Amaya is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 3+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Amaya
Famous People Named Amaya
- Amaya Coppens — Nicaraguan human rights activist
- Amaya is also notable as a historic Basque town and mythological figure rather than a single famous celebrity bearer.
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Sibling Name Ideas for Amaya
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Amaya mean?
Amaya is a girl name of Japanese/Basque origin meaning "Night rain." Amaya has two distinct origins: in Japanese it can be read as "night rain," while in the Basque Country it refers to an ancient town and carries associations with a mother goddess figure in Basque mythology. The name entered American popularity largely independent of either specific origin, valued instead for its soft, exotic sound.
How do you pronounce Amaya?
Amaya is pronounced uh-MY-uh. Common variations include Amaia, Maya, Amayah.
Is Amaya a girl name?
Yes, Amaya is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Amy, Maya.
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