Naya
Naya is a girl name of Arabic origin meaning “New, flute”, pronounced NY-ah. It ranked #813 in the United States in 2025, given to 336 babies, and peaked at #668 in 2021. Common nicknames: Nay, Nana.
How popular is Naya 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 Naya mean, and where does it come from?
Naya has several sources that have converged: the Arabic nay, a reed flute, and naya, "new"; the Spanish and Greek feminine of Anaya; the Swahili naya, "purpose"; and in India a word meaning new. American parents mostly meet it as a shorter Anaya or a sister to Maya. The records hold it from 1974, and it entered the top thousand in 2014. The actress Naya Rivera, who died in 2020, remains its best-known bearer in the United States.
Variations & Nicknames
Variations
Nicknames
Famous People Named Naya
- Naya Rivera — American actress and singer, known for Glee
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Sibling Name Ideas for Naya
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Naya mean?
Naya is a girl name of Arabic origin meaning "New, flute." Naya has several sources that have converged: the Arabic nay, a reed flute, and naya, "new"; the Spanish and Greek feminine of Anaya; the Swahili naya, "purpose"; and in India a word meaning new. American parents mostly meet it as a shorter Anaya or a sister to Maya.
How do you pronounce Naya?
Naya is pronounced NY-ah. Common variations include Naia, Nayah, Anaya.
Is Naya a girl name?
Yes, Naya is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Nay, Nana.