Zaya

Zaya, which rhymes with Maya, came to attention as the name of basketball great Dwyane Wade's older daughter, the stepdaughter of actress Gabrielle Union. It's one of those names that hits the sweet spot of names that are both straightforward and distinctive.

Zaya may relate to a number of different names and origins, including: the Arabic Zayah (or Naziha, Nazaha, Nazaya), giving it the meaning "honest, pure"; the Biblical Isaiah ("Yahweh is salvation"), lending it a Biblical tie; and the Mongolian Zaya (meaning "fate, destiny").

Additionally, it may simply be a modern invention, inspired by the likes of Maia, Kaia, and Gaia.

Zaya is also given to boys.

Pronounced ZY-uh.

As of October 2026, Zaya ranked #1317 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1165 in 2023, Nameberry popularity #955.