Arya
Arya is a girl name of Sanskrit origin meaning “Noble, honorable”, pronounced AR-yuh. It ranked #158 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,858 babies, and peaked at #92 in 2019. Common nicknames: Ari.
How popular is Arya 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 Arya mean, and where does it come from?
Arya is a Sanskrit word meaning "noble" or "honorable," historically used in ancient India as a term of great respect for learned or virtuous people, and it appears throughout Hindu and Buddhist scripture. Its recent explosion in Western popularity is closely tied to the fierce, independent character Arya Stark from the novel and television series Game of Thrones, whose name resonated with parents seeking a short, strong name for a daughter. Beyond its fictional fame, Arya is also a well-established given name across South India, borne by real performers such as the Tamil film actor known simply as Arya.
How is Arya used around the world?
Arya is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Arya?
Famous People Named Arya
- Arya — stage name of Indian actor Jamshad Cethirakath, star of Tamil cinema
- Arya Banerjee — Indian actress known for The Dirty Picture
Similar Names to Arya
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Sibling Name Ideas for Arya
Looking for names that pair well with Arya? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Arya mean?
Arya is a girl name of Sanskrit origin meaning "Noble, honorable." Arya is a Sanskrit word meaning "noble" or "honorable," historically used in ancient India as a term of great respect for learned or virtuous people, and it appears throughout Hindu and Buddhist scripture. Its recent explosion in Western popularity is closely tied to the fierce, independent character Arya Stark from the novel and television series Game of Thrones, whose name resonated with parents seeking a short, strong name for a daughter.
How do you pronounce Arya?
Arya is pronounced AR-yuh. Common variations include Aria, Ariya, Aarya.
Is Arya a girl name?
Yes, Arya is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ari.