Saya

A name of both Japanese and Hindi origin, Saya has a bright, sharp sound, reminiscent of Maia and Kaia. Borne by Olympian BMX racer, Saya Sakakibara, wrestler Saya Kamitani, and by weather presenter, Saya Hiyama who went viral after a clip of her switching from light-hearted banter to an earthquake warning became an internet phenomenon, Saya has also been used for characters in a variety of Japanese media.

From its Japanese roots, Saya combines sa meaning "sand", "small", or "bloom, flourish" and ya meaning "night", "color, vibrant", or "palm tree", depending on the kanji used. From its Hindi roots, it means "shadow" or "sleep".

Nearly 50 girls were called Saya in a recent year in the US.

Pronounced SY-uh.

As of October 2026, Saya ranked #2891 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #2042 in 2010.