Nya

A relatively new name on the scene, increasing in popularity since 1999. It is likely a variation of Nia, a Swahili name based on the Arabic Niya meaning "tenacity, purpose, determination". Alternatively it may be based on Naia, a Basque name meaning "sea foam, wave" or it may simply be a modern creation, influenced by the popularity of Mia, Mya, Kaia, and similar.

The alternative spelling Nyah has been familiar since the 2000s when it was used for a character in Mission: Impossible 2, but the streamlined Nya has proved popular in the UK in recent years. It was one of the fastest rising names in 2023 when it entered the Top 1000 for the first time.

Social media influencer Nya Temple is a notable bearer while singer Nyachomba Muchai-Kinya uses Nya as her stage name. The name also featured in the Lego animated TV series, Ninjago.

Pronounced NYE-uh.

As of October 2026, Nya ranked #2767 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #618 in 2001.