Chaya
Chaya is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “Life, living”, pronounced KHY-ah. It ranked #588 in the United States in 2025, given to 499 babies, and peaked at #588 in 2025. Common nicknames: Chay, Chayale, Haya.
How popular is Chaya 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 Chaya mean, and where does it come from?
Chaya is the feminine of the Hebrew chai, "life" — the same word on the pendant and in the toast l'chaim. It is often paired with another name, as Chaya Sarah or Chaya Mushka, and was traditionally given to a child whose family wanted the name itself to be a blessing for long life. The name is a mainstay of Orthodox and Hasidic communities and has been in American records since the 1940s, climbing steadily and reaching its highest position in 2025. The opening is the guttural ch of challah, not the ch of chair.
How is Chaya used around the world?
Chaya is used in 0 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 Chaya?
Famous People Named Chaya
- Chaya Czernowin — Israeli composer
- Chaya Singh — Indian actress
- Mayim Chaya Bialik — American actress and neuroscientist
Similar Names to Chaya
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Sibling Name Ideas for Chaya
Looking for names that pair well with Chaya? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Chaya mean?
Chaya is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Life, living." Chaya is the feminine of the Hebrew chai, "life" — the same word on the pendant and in the toast l'chaim. It is often paired with another name, as Chaya Sarah or Chaya Mushka, and was traditionally given to a child whose family wanted the name itself to be a blessing for long life.
How do you pronounce Chaya?
Chaya is pronounced KHY-ah. Common variations include Haya, Chaja, Hayah.
Is Chaya a girl name?
Yes, Chaya is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Chay, Chayale, Haya.