Aya
Aya is a girl name of Japanese origin meaning “Colour, sign, bird”, pronounced AH-yah. It ranked #644 in the United States in 2025, given to 449 babies, and peaked at #630 in 2024. Common nicknames: Ay, Yaya.
How popular is Aya 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 Aya mean, and where does it come from?
Aya is three names that happen to share a sound. In Japanese, written 彩 or 綾, it means colour or a woven silk design, and it has been a common girls' name for generations. In Arabic, ayah is a sign or a wonder, and specifically a verse of the Quran — one of the reasons the name is widespread from Morocco to Indonesia. In Hebrew, ayah is a bird of prey, a hawk or a kite, and it appears as a name in the Book of Genesis. Two letters, three traditions, and no accent that makes it hard for speakers of any of them.
How is Aya used around the world?
Aya is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Aya?
Famous People Named Aya
- Aya Nakamura — Malian-French singer, the most streamed French-language artist worldwide
- Aya Ueto — Japanese actress and singer
- Aya Cash — American actress
Similar Names to Aya
If you like Aya, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Aya
Looking for names that pair well with Aya? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Aya mean?
Aya is a girl name of Japanese origin meaning "Colour, sign, bird." Aya is three names that happen to share a sound. In Japanese, written 彩 or 綾, it means colour or a woven silk design, and it has been a common girls' name for generations.
How do you pronounce Aya?
Aya is pronounced AH-yah. Common variations include Ayah, Aia, Aja.
Is Aya a girl name?
Yes, Aya is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ay, Yaya.