Hayu

Hayu is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Indonesian, particularly Sundanese culture, it means 'beauty' or 'beautiful.' It also appears in Native American languages, particularly among Pacific Northwest tribes where it can refer to 'laughter' or 'smiling.' The name has connections to Japanese culture as well, where similar syllables appear in various compound names. Hayu remains relatively uncommon in Western countries but may appeal to parents seeking a short, melodic name with cross-cultural significance. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce in many languages, while its positive meanings and gentle sound give it a universal appeal despite its rarity.

Hayu is also given to boys, where it ranks #12706 in the US.

Pronounced HAH-yoo.

As of October 2026, Hayu ranked #12706 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #11100 in 2020.