Amaya
Amaya is a girl name of Japanese/Basque origin meaning “Night rain”, pronounced uh-MY-uh. It ranked #180 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,723 babies, and peaked at #129 in 2018. Common nicknames: Amy, Maya.
How popular is 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.
What does Amaya mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Amaya used 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.
What are the 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.
Similar Names to Amaya
If you like Amaya, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Amaya
Looking for names that pair well with Amaya? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
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.