Home › Baby Names Directory › Calayah
Calayah
Pronounced kah-LAY-ah /kəˈleɪ.ə/Medium
Meaning: Modern coined name; possibly blending Cala (harbour, beautiful) with the Hebrew theophoric suffix -yah (God)Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Calayah is a modern invented name that does not have a documented etymology or recorded historical use before the late 20th century. It appears to blend elements such as Cala (from Arabic or Spanish, meaning 'cove' or 'castle') with the Hebrew theophoric suffix -yah, meaning 'God.' This construction mirrors names like Aaliyah and Alayah, which have gained popularity in American naming culture.
The name sits within a family of -ayah and -yah names that became fashionable in the late 1990s and 2000s, driven partly by the popularity of Aaliyah and similar names in African-American and Hispanic-American communities. Calayah's unusual Ca- opening sets it apart from closer relatives like Alayah or Dalayah.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- Famous bearers coming soon.
If you like Calayah…
Explore names like Calayah
Frequently Asked
What does the name Calayah mean?
Calayah is a modern coined name without a firmly documented meaning. It may combine elements suggesting beauty or harbour with the Hebrew suffix -yah (God).
How do you pronounce Calayah?
Calayah is pronounced kah-LAY-ah /kəˈleɪ.ə/ — three syllables with stress on the second.
Is Calayah a boy or girl name?
Calayah is used as a girls' name.
How popular is Calayah?
Calayah is a very rare name that appears in U.S. birth records but has not charted in the top rankings.