Laya
2025 SSA
About Laya
Laya is a flowing feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it relates to 'rhythm' or 'rest,' while it can also be a variant of Leah (Hebrew for 'weary' or 'delicate'). The name has additional roots in Arabic and Spanish linguistic traditions. Laya's cross-cultural appeal comes from its melodic quality and easy pronunciation across many languages. Though never reaching the top naming charts, Laya has seen increased interest in recent decades as parents seek names that are both international and accessible. The name's brevity combined with its soft, musical sound makes it appealing to contemporary parents looking for something distinctive yet not complicated. Laya projects a gentle elegance and subtle exoticism that works well in diverse cultural contexts.
Pronounced LY-uh.
As of October 2026, Laya ranked #1543 in US births in 2025 SSA.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #2,243 | 84 | 47 |
| 2015 | #2,004 | 99 | 55.5 |
| 2016 | #2,008 | 99 | 55.9 |
| 2017 | #2,212 | 86 | 49.8 |
| 2018 | #2,053 | 95 | 55.8 |
| 2019 | #1,896 | 106 | 63.2 |
| 2020 | #1,935 | 99 | 61.2 |
| 2021 | #2,018 | 96 | 58.5 |
| 2022 | #2,237 | 84 | 51.2 |
| 2023 | #2,042 | 96 | 59.8 |
| 2024 | #2,140 | 89 | 54.9 |
| 2025 | #1,543 | 137 | 85.2 |
World rankings
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