Moya

A multicultural choice with a distinctive sound, Moya may appeal as a unique alternative to Maia/Maya or Mia. Given to a handful of girls each year in the US, it is more commonly heard in the UK or in Ethiopia.

From its Irish roots, Moya is a variation of Máire (and in turn, of Maria and Mary too), giving it the meanings "beloved", "bitter", or "drop in the sea" due to the cloudy origins of the classic name.

As an African name, it is used in a variety of languages including Zulo, Sotho, Lala, and Tsonga, though it ultimately stems from Proto-Bantu mʊ̀jòjà meaning "life, spirit". More broadly, it is used to mean "wind", though the root remains the same.

From its Spanish roots, it is predominantly used as a surname or place name, however, it likely derives from the Latin name Modius or Modianus, ultimately meaning "measure". As such, Moya can mean "estate of measure".

The name has been borne by singer Moya Brennan, producer and entrepreneur Moya Doherty, actress Moya O'Sullivan, and scholar, activist, and writer, Moya Bailey (who coined the term misogynoir).

Pronounced MOY-uh.

As of October 2026, Moya ranked #16904 in US births in 2021 SSA, peaked at #3275 in 1954.