Araya

Araya is one of those names that seems to have a different derivation and meaning on every website. The one we consider most reliable is that it's a variation of the very popular Arya, which means noble, taken from the Thai araya and the Sanskrit arya.

Other derivations you may come across include Araya as: a Basque and Catalonian place name; a Japanese surname meaning "wide or new valley"; an Ethiopian or Eritrean boy name meaning "leader by example"; and a variation of Raya meaning "queen", "beloved", or "celebration".

Araya is also given to boys.

Pronounced uh-RY-uh.

As of October 2026, Araya ranked #1052 for girls in US births in 2025 and #12275 for boys in US births in 2021 SSA, peaked at #899 for girls in 2022 and #12218 for boys in 2015, Nameberry popularity #810 for girls.